Gutter Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
Gutters and downspouts are an essential part of your home. They work to divert water away from your home, protecting your roof, siding, foundation, and landscaping. Without gutters and proper gutter maintenance, serious home damages are inevitable.
Proper gutter maintenance is necessary, however, many homeowners make common mistakes when cleaning and inspecting their gutters — which can cause more harm than good.
To not only protect your gutter system — and entire home — from the damage of clogged gutters, check out these common gutter maintenance mistakes so you can be prepared next time you climb the ladder.
Don’t: Ignore Small Gutter Repairs
Small gutter leaks and sags may not seem like a big deal, but these small gutter issues can have a huge impact on your gutter system and entire home. Mold, peeling paint on your gutters, and leaky gutter seams all have the potential to exacerbate damages and cause expensive long-term problems.
It’s important to routinely inspect your gutters for any signs of wear and tear. Don’t let gutter repairs get out of hand. Fix small gutter repairs when you first spot them — not when they become worse.
Don’t: Forget to Clean your Gutters
Gutters are typically “out of sight, out of mind” for many homeowners. Unfortunately, if you fail to clean your gutters, water will have nowhere to go and can get into areas it shouldn’t.
Over time, your gutters will fill with leaves, debris, and shingle grit — just about anything. Your clogged gutters can wreak havoc on your home. Don’t neglect your gutters – give them a thorough cleaning at least three to four times a year.
Do: Follow Proper Ladder Safety Techniques
Whether you are inspecting your gutter system or cleaning out your gutters, it’s important to follow proper ladder safety techniques. Always enlist the help of a partner to stabilize your ladder and make sure to carefully inspect the ladder for defects, checking for cracks and corrosion. Keep one hand on the ladder at all times and wear and don’t overreach.
Don’t: Power Wash your Gutters
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when you clean your gutters is power washing them. Many homeowners believe that power washing your gutters will get rid of all the dirt and grime, however, power washers are incredibly powerful. They could blast your gutters right off the side of your home! Then, you’ll have to deal with gutter replacement issues.
Get Clog-Free Gutters with LeafFilter Gutter Protection
Looking to protect your gutters — and entire home — from the damage of clogged gutters? LeafFilter provides a permanent solution and protects your home for life. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about cleaning your gutters again!
The secret is in our patented micromesh filter, which blocks leaves, debris, and shingle grit from entering and clogging your gutters. Once installed onto your existing gutters, you’ll never have to worry about gutter cleaning again! Learn more about our product and request a free estimate.
