Pro Tips for Maintaining Clean Gutters Through the Breezy Autumn Months
Though it may not seem like it initially, exterior gutters are an integral part of a home's overall plumbing system. Their job is an important one: containing and diverting rainwater and snowmelt away from the house and into the municipal storm drain network. Without this vital function, all that water would be allowed to fall directly down around the house's perimeter, where it can pool and cause soil erosion, foundation fractures or displacement, or even flooding of basements and crawl spaces.
When gutters fill up with debris such as leaves, twigs, pollen, and sand-like shingle sediment, they become virtually useless, as water won't be able to drain quickly enough - even a mild storm can make them overflow. When they're that bad, cleaning them out can be quite a task. But once they're clean and clear, and with the right approach, keeping them that way is a breeze.
Is Professional Gutter Cleaning Worth It?
Cleaning out the gutters is a job that homeowners notoriously dread doing. Particularly if it hasn't been done in a while, it can be difficult, frustrating, and messy. Scooping out countless cubic feet of dead leaves and months-old sludge may not sound like the ideal way to spend the weekend. Removing old blockages from downspouts is tricky and may require special tools like a plumbing snake or high-pressure hose nozzle.
It may be worth hiring a professional to avoid the hassle of such a time-consuming and labor-intensive chore. But the primary reason to hire a pro is safety. Some gutters are very high and hard to reach, and accessing them can be a very precarious proposition. In many cases, the DIY approach is not worth the risk. An experienced professional follows strict safety protocols and takes the burden of danger off of the homeowner.
Tree-Trimming Helps Reduce Debris Buildup
Once the gutters have been cleared, the task becomes maintaining that state. While debris and detritus accumulation is inevitable, it can be minimized by identifying and eliminating the key contributors. Naturally, any tall trees around the home contribute the majority share. This is most true in the spring and autumn months, but especially the latter.
Removing any deadwood and errant branches goes a long way, as these parts of the tree will be the first to go flying in the windy and rainy months. Likewise, any part of the tree that's overhanging or brushing up against the house should be trimmed back so that falling debris will come to rest in the yard, not in the gutters. As long as they're not clogged, they can work as they should.
Benefits of Installing Gutter Guards
Finally, the most sure-fire way to keep those gutters clear year-round is to install gutter guards. These are screen-like strips of metal or durable plastic that fit snugly over the gutter's top, covering it completely. The fine mesh screen allows water to flow into the gutter while keeping out leaves and other debris. They do require periodic cleaning, as smaller matter such as seeds and granular shingle sediment can become trapped in the mesh - but it's much easier than the alternative.
The installation of gutter guards, while not complicated, involves a considerable degree of risk due to the height and inaccessibility of some gutters. For this reason, it may be another task best left to a professional.
About Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service
Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service was founded in 1920 and has been proudly serving Evansville, Indiana ever since. They pride themselves on their clear communication, honesty, punctuality, and outstanding customer service. They offer competitive up-front pricing and emergency service.
