Keeping gutters properly maintained is
vital to the longevity of your home. Leaking, badly aligned or
missing gutters cause serious damage to your foundation, exterior
walls and more. Gutter repair and maintenance may be done by
homeowners who don't mind braving ladders and aren't afraid of a
little sweat equity. Of course, hiring a professional insures the job
is done right, without all the stress and strain of a DIY project.
Gutter cleaning
If you're a homeowner, one of the
annual tasks you'll have to face is cleaning the gutters. It's a
messy job, but someone has to do it. Neglecting gutter duty causes
fallen leaves and debris to clog up the works. Gutters that aren't
cleaned in the fall will very likely cause issues in winter. Whether
you scoop them out by hand or use special tools, gutter cleaning is
essential home maintenance. While you're at it, don't forget to check
for leaks and needed repairs.
Gutter repair
Repairing gutters might include:
- Sloping gutters for more effective drainage.
- Patching holes caused by corrosion, age or bad weather.
- Adding or extending downspouts to lessen foundation damage.
- Replacing missing or broken gutters.
- Replacing gutter hangers.
Gutter sealing
After cleaning and repairing gutters,
run a garden hose to remove any residual debris and check for
leakage. Where are those leaks hiding? Naturally, the most common
place for gutter leaks is at the seams. Corner seams undergo the most
stress and consequently, have the most leaks. Look for gutter
caulking at your local home improvement store. It should seal most
leaks sufficiently.
Notes:
*Be sure the surface is dry before
caulking.
*Gutter leaks should be sealed from
the inside.
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