Homeownership comes with numerous responsibilities that renters don’t have to worry about, including gutter maintenance. This task might not be fun, but it’s vital to protect the curb appeal and structural integrity of your home. Learn the answers to three frequently asked questions about gutter cleaning and maintenance before you attempt to tackle the job yourself.

Do Gutters Really Need to be Cleaned?

The short answer is yes—clogged gutters can cause numerous problems if ignored. Here are five reasons to prioritize gutter cleaning:

1. Prevent ugly water streaks down your siding.
2. Protect your roof from ice dams, which can cause leaks and damage attic insulation.
3. Discourage pests from nesting in your gutters.
4. Reduce the risk of foundation shifting and basement flooding.
5. Avoid unexpected repairs down the road.

How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?

The rule of thumb is to clean your gutters every spring and fall. If you live in a wooded area, or your gutters are prone to clogging for other reasons, you may need to clean them more often than this.

How Do I Maintain My Gutters?

Here are the gutter repairs to perform if you hope to prevent leaks and prolong the life of your gutters:

• Safety first: To perform gutter maintenance, you need heavy work gloves, non-slip shoes, safety goggles, a sturdy aluminum ladder, and other tools. Don’t attempt the job without these supplies.
• Clean the gutters: Climb a ladder and remove debris by hand while wearing gloves. You can also loosen stubborn buildup with a wire brush. Then, rinse the gutters with a hose to remove dirt or leaves clinging to the sides.
• Fix holes or gaps: Seal small gaps with gutter caulk. You’ll need to patch larger holes with sheet metal and roofing cement.
• Scrape away rust: Scrub rusty spots with a wire brush. Then, apply a thin coat of roofing cement with a putty knife.
• Reattach loose downspouts: Drive a pilot hole and secure the downspout with U-shaped brackets and short sheet metal screws. Finish the job by sealing the seam with gutter caulk.
• Eliminate standing water: Water in the gutters attracts mosquitoes and other pests. To prevent this, detach your gutters and adjust the slope to promote better drainage. Then, resecure them to the side of your house at the preferred angle.
• Replace your gutters: If your gutters are beyond repair, it could be time to replace them. Get the most from your investment by also installing gutter covers. This decreases the need for future cleaning and maintenance by preventing leaves and debris from forming clogs.

What if you recognize the importance of gutter maintenance, but you’re not eager to do the work yourself? You’re in luck! High Point Gutter offers an annual maintenance program to ease the stress of gutter repair while ensuring necessary tasks get done. Join today for a 10% discount on our quality gutter maintenance services! Call us at (425) 449-6622 or contact us online for more information.