Gutters serve a vital purpose by preventing water damage around your home. While they’re mostly out of sight, they shouldn’t be out of mind, as gutters can easily become clogged or damaged, which can lead to big problems.
Here are three ways to repair and maintain your gutters so they remain effective at guiding water away from your home.
Leaves, dirt, and debris can quickly block the path of water that would otherwise drain down your gutter. Blockages force the water to find another path, which is often down the side of your house. That can lead to rotting fascia boards and possibly water entering the attic. It’s best to inspect your gutters in the spring and fall, and anytime after a big storm that may have dropped debris and leaves onto your roof.
While looking for Gutter Repairs blockages, also check for obvious broken sections that would cause the gutters to leak. If the broken area is large, it’s possible to cut out that section of gutter and replace it. Better yet: If you have an extra piece of gutter lying around, cut a small piece and place it over the hole, using gutter tape to secure it. For smaller leaks you can use gutter-repair tape or gutter seal to cover holes and tears.
The gutters guide the water to the downspouts that direct the water away from your home. The downspouts can also get clogged, so the best way to clean them is by using a gutter brush attached to a pole.
Make sure the downspouts release the water on a slope that is angled away from your home. If the water settles into a puddle or collects around the edge of a building, it can quickly drain into the foundation or basement, and over time cause major problems. Use a splash block to quickly direct water away from your home.
