Summertime is filled with family fun, backyard barbeques, and vacations. It also brings summer storms, leaves, helicopter seeds, debris, and the need to make sure your gutters are ready to handle the sudden surges in water that mother nature brings their way.
There are 5 simple steps you can take to prevent foundation problems, water and ceiling damage, a wet basement, and even insect infestations!
Remove Debris
Though gutter debris is more common in autumn, it can also occur during the summer. Debris can cause clogs and lead to water and roofing damage. Get your ladder out and get a good look inside of your gutters. You may find sticks, twigs, needles, leaves, and even bird nests. If so, put on a pair of gloves and scoop out the debris to clear out your gutter flow.
There are also a variety of tools available to make the task even easier on you. Buzzfeed.com has 7 Gutter Cleaning Tools You’ll Thank Yourself for Buying.
Clean Your Gutters
Now that you have all of your debris out of the gutters, it’s time to give them a good cleaning. Use your hose and a hose attachment that has a high-pressure setting to flush out the inside of your gutters. Then, use a scrub brush and a gentle cleaner to scrub away any mold or mildew on the outside. Rinse with the hose and your gutters will look new! Thespruce.com tells you How to Clean Gutters and Downspouts.
You may decide that you are not up to the task for a variety of reasons. Keep your health and safety in mind when considering if you should clean your own gutters. Professionals offer the added benefit of cleaning your gutters more thoroughly and effectively than you might. Services may include industrial-strength vacuums with gutter-sized attachments, or extremely strong power washers to blast clogs out.
Some companies utilize what is known as “wet/dry technology,” which allows workers to alternate between power washing and vacuuming to remove all types of debris. And, last but not least, gutter cleaning pros will pick up all of the cleaned-out debris and put it into garbage bags or containers for disposal.
Check for Damage
Gutters that do not drain well can cause significant issues, so check for damage on a regular basis. Look for any holes, cracks, rust, or places where the gutters do not line up properly. Make a note of the areas that need attention and address them as soon as possible. If the damage is extensive, you should plan on replacing your gutters to avoid further damage.
Repair Leaks
If you have found any holes or cracks in your gutters and suspect they may be leaks, there is an easy way to check for possible leaks. Turn your hose on low and fill up your gutters near the damaged area. If the damage is causing issues, you will clearly see the leak and once you do, it is important to repair it with gutter sealant or a gutter patch.
Bobvilla.com makes repairing leaks easy with Solved! How to Fix Leaking Rain Gutters.
Complete New Installations
The summer season tends to carry less precipitation than other seasons, so now is a great time to complete any new installations you have been wanting to get done. Whether it is a new downspout, a replacement section, or an entirely new gutter system, gutter experts encourage you to get the job done before the fall sets in.
The professionals at Dynasty Restoration can help you with any gutter issue you may have, including complete replacement of your gutter system. For a Free Estimate, Contact us Today!
