Maintaining your gutters helps protect your home from water damage. This guide covers the fundamentals of gutter maintenance and explains how Elevated Roofing can help with common gutter problems.

Gutter Maintenance: The Basics

Proper gutter maintenance is one essential component — in addition to making necessary roof repairs — to keeping your home safe from water damage. This guide explains the following:

• Why gutter maintenance is important
• Common gutter problems
• Steps for maintaining your gutters
• When to call Elevated Roofing
• How Elevated Roofing can help

Here’s a closer look at each.

Why Gutter Maintenance is Important

Gutters direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation, walls, and roof. Without regular maintenance, gutters can become clogged or damaged, leading to water overflow and potential damage. Making necessary gutter repairs ensure that your gutters function effectively, protecting your home from issues like mold, mildew, and structural damage.

Common Gutter Problems

Several issues can affect your gutters’ performance, including the following:

• Clogs. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can block the flow of water, causing it to overflow.
• Leaks. Cracks or holes in the gutters can lead to leaks, damaging your home’s exterior and foundation.
• Sagging. Gutters that are not securely fastened can sag under the weight of water and debris, reducing their effectiveness.
• Improper pitch. Gutters need to be angled correctly to direct water toward the downspouts. Improper pitch can cause water to pool and overflow.
• Damage from ice dams. During cold winters, ice dams can form and damage gutters, leading to leaks and structural issues.

Related: How to deal with wind damage to your roof

Steps for Maintaining Your Gutters

Regular maintenance can help prevent common gutter problems. Here are five steps to keep your gutters in good shape:

1. Clean gutters regularly. Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris at least twice a year, or more often if you have overhanging trees. Use a ladder to access the gutters safely, and wear gloves to protect your hands. A small trowel or gutter scoop can help you remove the debris more efficiently.
2. Check for leaks and cracks. Inspect your gutters for any signs of leaks or cracks. After cleaning, run water through the gutters using a hose to check for leaks. If you find small leaks or cracks, use a waterproof sealant to fix them. For larger issues, you may need to replace the damaged section of the gutter.
3. Ensure proper attachment. Make sure your gutters are securely fastened to your home. Inspect the brackets and screws that hold the gutters in place. Tighten any loose screws or brackets to ensure the gutters are stable and can handle the weight of water and debris.
4. Check the pitch. Ensure your gutters are angled correctly to direct water toward the downspouts. The proper pitch allows water to flow smoothly without pooling. Use a level to check the slope of the gutters and adjust the hangers, if necessary, to maintain the correct angle.
5. Inspect downspouts. Make sure downspouts are clear and direct water away from your home’s foundation. Remove any blockages by using a plumber’s snake or a high-pressure hose. Ensure that the downspouts extend far enough from the foundation to prevent water damage. Consider adding extensions or splash blocks if needed to direct water further away from your home.

By following these steps, you can maintain your gutters effectively and prevent issues that could lead to costly repairs. If you encounter any problems beyond your expertise, don’t hesitate to call Elevated Roofing for professional assistance.

When to Call Elevated Roofing

While regular maintenance can prevent many gutter problems, some issues require professional help. Call Elevated Roofing if you notice persistent leaks despite attempts to seal them, significant sagging or detachment from your home, water pooling around your home’s foundation, or damage from ice dams or severe weather.

How Elevated Roofing Can Help

Elevated Roofing offers comprehensive gutter services to keep your home protected. Our team will conduct thorough inspections of your gutters and downspouts to identify any issues. If there are leaks, cracks, or other damage, we can perform repairs and replacements, including replacing sections of your gutter system if needed. We ensure your gutters are securely attached and correctly pitched to direct water away from your home. We can even install solutions to prevent ice dams and protect your gutters from winter damage.

Related: What you need to know about hail season in Texas