Routine maintenance is a must if you want to keep your gutters in good condition. A good rule of thumb is that your gutters should be cleaned weekly in severe-weather months. Aside from routine gutter maintenance, what are the steps you can take to prevent gutter damage?
Install Gutter Guards
Gutter cleaning is a tedious but essential task. If you just don’t have time for cleaning your gutters, you could have gutter guards installed. Gutter guards lower your gutters’ maintenance needs by preventing leaves and other kinds of debris from entering and clogging your gutters.
Keep in mind gutter guards can only reduce, not eliminate, your gutter maintenance needs. Occasionally, you’ll need to remove the debris that’s accumulated on top of the gutter guards. However, this task is still a lot easier than having to scoop up leaves from inside your gutters. And to make sure your gutter guards do their job properly, only professional roofing contractors should install them.
Replace Overflowing Gutters
Clogs are the usual culprits behind overflowing gutters, but if they’ve been overflowing even though there aren’t clogs, you might need larger gutters. It’s best to consult one of your local contractors about the right size for your gutters. Since they’re more familiar with the local climate and have a good idea of how much rainfall your area receives, local gutter contractors can make better recommendations.
Trim Overhanging Trees
Trim overhanging trees to prevent their leaves from clogging up your gutters and let sunlight through. The heat from the sun can cause standing water in your gutters to evaporate faster, reducing the risk of leaks.
One more thing: It’s not uncommon for gutter and roofing damage to go hand in hand. Gutters, after all, help protect your roof from moisture damage by diverting rainwater to the drains. If you notice any signs of roof or gutter leaks, you should have a professional inspect your roof and, if necessary, do roof repair, as soon as possible.
Looking for professional roofers near you?
McGuire Roofing & Construction, a family-owned local company, offers professional roofing services, including gutter installation and roof repair services. To get a free estimate, call us at (865) 338-7663 or fill out this form. Talk to us today! We serve homeowners in Maryville and Oak Ridge, as well as the surrounding TN communities.