Your property is one of your most precious investments, so you’ll want to put as much care into it as possible. That means paying attention to its various components, like your roof, which plays a crucial role in protecting you from the elements.
When your gutters, a vital part of your roof, are in bad shape, your roof won’t perform its job effectively. Eventually, you may find yourself with expensive emergency roof repair, which could have been avoided with routine gutter maintenance.
Why Gutters are an Important Part of Your Roof
Some homeowners neglect their gutters as they seem to be of minor importance, particularly during warmer, drier months. However, if you fail to have roof contractors inspect your gutter a few times a year, it will result in costly damages that will also compromise your safety. For instance, clogged gutters will cause them to sag, jeopardizing your entire roof set up. They can get blocked with all types of debris and dirt, like leaves and twigs, especially when left unchecked. If they remain in your gutters for a long time, they’ll clog it, preventing water from passing through.
When water fails to flow through your gutters, it will seek other openings, soaking other parts of your home like your walls and basement. This phenomenon will result in water damage, leading to mold and mildew, health hazards that can make your household sick. Additionally, water can cause areas of your roof to sag, requiring emergency repairs.
Tips for Maintaining Your Gutter
Fortunately, you can avoid all this by maintaining your gutter correctly, which is best left to roofing contractors as they require extensive training and a particular skillset. Here are some tips for maintaining your gutter and keeping your roof in good shape:
Maintain It Frequently
The best way to make sure your gutters work as intended is to schedule regular maintenance and inspection at least twice a year, preferably after spring and late summer or early fall. Fortunately, all that means for you is to contact your local roofing company, and they’ll come over and do the rest. Having them inspect your roof frequently can warn you of potential problems that they can fix right away, avoiding issues that get worse and more costly over time.
Take the Debris Out
Your gutters will inevitably accumulate debris, so you’ll need to scoop them out every so often. Wear thick gloves, take a ladder, and prop it against a stable wall to reach your gutters. Check them for unwanted items that can clog and result in blockage. Scoop out the debris, which often consists of leaves and sediments, so grabbing them with your hands is often all it takes to clear them. However, it’s best to leave this to roofing contractors to avoid potentially damaging your gutters and downspouts further.
Flush Your Gutter
After ensuring your gutters are free of debris, it’s time to flush them. It’s a great way to clear it of dirt and sediments while allowing you to check if the water flows correctly or if there are strange issues that require further inspection. If anything stands out for the wrong reasons, it’s best to contact your local roofing company for further action.
Clean Your Downspout and Surroundings
Lastly, clean your downspouts, which are close to the ground and direct water away from your home. Due to the way they are positioned, they’re prone to getting soil and other debris onto them. To keep them in good condition, clean the downspouts and their surroundings, which will prevent them from accumulating dirt that will block the rain from flowing out. It must always be clear of twigs, soil, leaves, and other kinds of debris.
Conclusion
Your roof does the essential job of protecting you from harsh weather conditions and the elements, and for it to keep functioning optimally, you’ll need to have it inspected every so often. Your roof will remain in great condition by following these tips and steer clear from expensive emergency repair.
5 Star Roofer is a commercial roofing company that can help you with all your roofing needs, like roof replacement, repair, and restoration. All our roofers are fully licensed and insured, providing you with worry-free service. Contact us today to schedule an inspection!