4 Questions to ask about guttersYou probably do not think about your gutters on a regular basis. You know that they are on your house, that they can be a pain to maintain, and that they catch water. Gutters that do not work properly can lead to erosion, damage to your landscaping, water in your basement, staining on your house, and mildew.

Here are 4 questions to ask yourself about your gutters:

1) Do I Replace or Do I Repair?

The first thing you should ask yourself is whether it is time for new gutters or whether a professional repair will solve your gutter issues. Bobvilla.com offers an article on

6 Signs You Need New Gutters. Keep the following in mind:

    • Cracks of any size need to be inspected. Extensive cracks generally mean replacement. However, an individual crack my lend itself to being repaired instead.
    • Separation and leaks at the seams of gutters need repair at a minimum because failure at your gutter seams will lead to other damage. If you do not want to deal with seam repair, a replacement with seamless gutters may be the best option for you.
    • Peeling paint and rotting trim work on your house may be caused by inefficient gutters. If you see either happening on your home, check the nearest gutter. If you see more than one section of peeling paint or rotted trim, or if your gutters themselves have peeling paint, it is probably time to replace rather than repair.
    • Mildew below ground and in an area that was formerly dry can indicate poor drainage and the need for gutter repair. If, after repair, mildew reoccurs, the next step is probably gutter replacement.

2) Do I Need to Add Gutters?

    • You may need to add additional gutters to your home if you are missing gutters in necessary areas. Necessary areas are considered as such because a lack of gutters leads to water damage. They include:
    • Areas with landscape that slopes upwards. Gutters will allow you to redirect water to a sloping side of your home. This will prevent rainwater from pooling around your foundation.
    • Roofs with little or no overhang. Roofs which fit too close to the home allow water to pool within a foot of the foundation which creates numerous issues. Rainwater too close to your foundation can cause extensive damage over time. At a minimum, you may have to brave a waterfall to get in and out of your home during a storm.

3) Will I Benefit from a Leaf Guard System?

    • If you have big trees in your yard, you know how quickly gutters can fill up with leaves and other debris.
    • A larger bird and squirrel population in your area can also cause issues quickly by building nests and carrying debris into your gutters.
    • Gutter guards can do a really good job of keeping gutters flowing freely.  Dynasty Restoration can provide you with metal Gutter RX Gutter Guards to keep your gutters flowing and hassle free.
    • Gutter RX Gutter Guards are American-made aluminum inserts designed to fit securely into your gutter. They fit both new and existing gutters, never interfere with roof shingles, and are virtually invisible from the ground. Available in white and dark bronze, GutterRx is made from 98% recycled aluminum and features a patented ribbed design for optimal airflow to clear debris.

4) Should I Schedule Professional Maintenance?

The Spruce.com offers an informative article on How to Clean Gutters and Downspouts.

For some homeowners, DIY gutter cleaning can be performed safely with minimal equipment. This is not always the case. Ask yourself the following questions:

 

  • Do you have the right equipment? You will need a ladder, a hose, something to catch the debris, and gloves. You may also need an extension ladder which may require a stabilizer as well. It also helps to have a partner on the ground to stabilize the ladder.
  • Can you physically handle the task? You need to make sure you are comfortable on a ladder and you can move up and down one successfully. You should never clean gutters from the roof. It is not safe. You should never try to remove debris if you must move your waist beyond two rungs of the ladder.
  • The bottom line: hiring a professional is always cheaper than ending up in the hospital.

 

Dynasty Restoration is here to provide all your gutter services. Contact Dynasty Restoration Inc., today. Call (402) 932-6419 or complete our online request form.

https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/6-signs-you-need-new-gutters-48910

https://www.thespruce.com/clean-gutters-and-downspouts-1824714

https://dynastyrestores.com/roofing/