It's important to make sure that the rain isn't spilling over the top of
your gutter and onto your foundation. Over time this can cause damage to the
home's foundation.
It is suggested that you clean your
gutters in the Fall after all the leaves have fallen from the surrounding
trees, and in the Spring. While you're cleaning your gutters you will want to
inspect them for any holes or rust through.
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Make sure there are no loose nails. Check to make sure the gutters
are securely fastened to the house.
After you have removed all the debris from the gutter you'll want to rinse any
remaining debris down the gutter and into the downspout with your garden hose.
This will also help you to make sure that your downspout isn't clogged with
debris. If you find the water not running into the downspout you can remove
the downspout, clean it and then replace it.
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Make sure that the water running out of the downspout is being properly
diverted with the use of a plastic or concrete diverter. You don't want the
water emptying out on the ground where it will cause erosion.
Gutter guards have become very popular and do away with the problem of having
to clean your gutters, although they will still need twice yearly inspection.
For a do-it-yourself type installing gutter guards isn't a big deal, and, it
could save you thousands of dollars over having the gutter guards installed by
professionals.
Find a Pre-Screened Gutter Contractor in Your Area
Some people think that gutter guards are very expensive and not worth the
money. While gutter guards prevent large leaves from entering the gutter they
do not stop much smaller natural debris such as seeds, buds, small pieces of
bark and twigs or evergreen needles. All this type of natural matter breaks
down over time to form debris in your gutter. Also, debris can build up over
the gutter guard screening that will have to be manually cleaned off. Some
have found that gutter guards actually cause them more problems.
