One of the most frequently overlooked home-maintenance projects is also one of the most important – cleaning the gutters. It probably ranks at the bottom of the list of enjoyable jobs; yet this “ounce of prevention” can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in home repairs if you just get out there and do it.
The tools necessary for cleaning your gutters can be as simple as a ladder and a pair of gloves. However, there are also several gadgets that can speed the process along; or at least be a great excuse to buy the latest and greatest attachment for your power washer!
For those who have an aversion to ladders, heights, or the gloppy sludge that accumulates in the gutters, there is always the option to hire someone else to do it. Either way, it is a task that has to be done to maintain the integrity of your home – inside and out.
How Important Are Your Gutters for Your Home?
Your gutters are absolutely critical for preventing water damage. Gutters keep rain water and melting snow from reaching your home. They direct water away from the foundation.
Water always finds the path of least resistance. The system of gutters on a home is designed to work with gravity and funnel water away from the roof, walls and especially the foundation. When gutters and downspouts are clogged with debris, water backs up and finds another way down…generally to the detriment of your home. If you don’t make sure the path is clear in your gutter system you will have a battle on your hands; and in the battle against water, water will always win (just ask the Grand Canyon!)
An inch of rainfall results in approximately ½ gallon of water traveling through your gutter system per square foot of roof. This may not sound like much at first, but for a 2,000-square-foot roof, that means about 1,000 gallons of water surges through your gutters and away from your home with every inch of rain. If those gutters aren’t working properly, that’s 1,000 gallons of water looking for the path of least resistance to the lowest point…which is most likely your basement!
Clean Your Gutters Regularly
Gutters should be cleaned yearly, preferably twice a year, to avoid debris from accumulating and backing up your roof’s drainage system. If you live in an area dense with trees, you may even need to clean them out three or four times a year.
Clogged gutters lead to ice dams in the winter weather. Water that isn’t properly directed away from your home can also accumulate around your house and cause a frost-heave in colder weather. The freezing and thawing cycle is normal, but if excess water is pooling around your foundation, it can lead to cracks in your foundation which can impact the integrity of your home and result in costly repairs.
In warmer weather, clogged gutters lead to overflow which can cause roof and wall damage, leaking basement windows, mold problems and flooded basements.
Invest in Tools to Help Keep Gutters Clear
Gutter Scoops
These handy scoops are a useful tool for getting everything out of gutter quickly. Gutter scoops make gutter cleaning simple and generally sold for between $5-10, an inexpensive and very budget-friendly tool to get you out there cleaning those gutters – no excuses!
For not too much more, around $20, you can get a telescoping gutter brush which can reduce or eliminate the need for a ladder.
Gutter Blowing Attachments
Another option for those that prefer using power tools and equipment are blower attachments. These attach to leaf-blower systems and can help you blast your gutters clean.
Several types of power washer attachments are also available. Power out the gunk in your gutters and, with most attachments selling for $100 or less, even these options won’t put too big a dent in your wallet.
Gutter Guards
So you want to clean those gutters once and for all? One way to avoid the “joy” of cleaning your gutters is to have a gutter guard system installed. There are many types of guards. They all have their own pros and cons but will ultimately keep your gutters from getting clogged in the first place. This can be a DIY project for those who would rather save some money and do the work themselves. Several types of gutter guards are available from home improvement stores. There are also professional installers who can install a gutter guard system if you aren’t the DIY type.
Make Sure the Downspouts Run Far Enough
Downspouts are just as important as gutters. If they don’t drain far enough away from your home, they defeat the purpose of gutters. There isn’t a hard and fast rule of how long downspouts should be; they simply need to divert water away from the foundation. The grading around your foundation and the type of soil all play into the correct downspout equation for your home.
Downspout Extension
If downspouts are releasing water too close to your house, extensions can help direct the flow further away. Easy to install, downspout extensions are worth every penny to protect your home’s foundation.
Downspout Guards
Like gutter guards, downspout guards prevent clogged downspouts. Downspouts are harder to clear than gutters, so prevention is helpful. Downspout guards are simple to install and quite reasonably priced. Most are less than $10; some are even less than $5.
Keep Your Gutters Well-Maintained
If gutters become broken, cracked or develop open leaks, they offer far less defense against moisture damage. In addition to cleaning, they need to be examined for weather damage or deterioration. Address any issues right away. Repairing gutters now is a small price to pay and will help you avoid costly home repairs in the future.
Schedule Your FREE 20-Point Inspection
The best way to keep your basement dry is with professional waterproofing. EverDry Toledo can help with a FREE 20-point basement inspection! We’ll help you find out if your home is at risk for water damage and which solutions will best serve you.
Contact us online to schedule an appointment or give us a call at (419) 469-5833 and schedule your inspection today!
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