Gutter Cleaning Tips – Prepare Your Home for Summer Storms

Anyone who has lived in the Middle Tennessee area is familiar with the notorious rainstorms that tend to pop up out of nowhere. Being prepared for severe storms means knowing that all aspects of your roof are properly maintained.

Gutters play a critical role in the safety of your home. Storms producing large amounts of rain can be the worst enemy of even the sturdiest roof. Gutters that are not functioning properly can lead to expensive repairs and even severe damage to homes and property.

Make sure your gutters maintained appropriately and ensure the safety of you and your family this summer.

Clean Your Gutters

The first and most obvious step in maintaining your gutters is to simply clear them of any and all debris. The most effective way to do this is by safely and cautiously using a ladder to climb up to the gutters and removing leaves and sticks by hand. The right ladder for the job will be tall enough and very sturdy, ideally with a solid shelf that can support a bucket to hold any debris you might find.

You might be surprised when you everything that has found a way into your gutters. The usual suspects, such as leaves, twigs, and sticks, are sure to be present, but sometimes pieces of trash, mold, and even birds nests can end up being the source of gutter clogs.

With that in mind, remember to wear gloves and long sleeves for this tedious task!

Check Out the Hardware

There are pieces of a gutter system that will eventually wear down over time.

For instance, the spikes that should attach to the rafter and hold the gutters in place can become loose and possibly cause the gutter to become unattached. Any loose spikes need to be replaced immediately to ensure the structural integrity of your gutters.

The rivets on the downspout are also common problem areas. They can also become loose over time and are quite easy to fix.

Check for Leaks

Once your gutters are clean and secure, it is now time to make sure there are no leaks.

The best method to test for any gutter leaks is to run water through them via a water hose. This simple test will show if your gutters are draining properly and also indicate the exact location of possible leaks.

Be careful when running water through downspouts, as they were not designed to handle

Depending on the severity of your gutter leak, you can either fix the problem yourself or call on the expertise of a trusted professional.

Local Home Improvement Professional

Fessler Home Improvement is a trusted home improvement professional proudly serving the Middle Tennessee area. Contact us today to schedule a gutter inspection and ensure the safety and reliability of your home.