Gutter guards significantly reduce the number of times homeowners need to clean their gutters and lower the risk of damage caused by clogged or sitting water. However, they don’t prevent all clogging or problems. Reverse-curve and slit guards form covers that allow water to slip over them but block large debris. However, they can be ineffective during heavy rain.
Inspect the Gutters
Gutter guards Vancouver makes cleaning your gutters much easier and safer. Climbing a ladder multiple times a year to clear your gutters can be a big hassle and risky, especially if you live in a 2- or 3-story house. If gutters become clogged with debris, it can cause several problems, such as water damage, pest infestations, and landscaping issues. This can also obstruct the flow of rainwater, leading to rotting fascia boards and soffits, as well as leaks into the walls and ceilings of your home. Gutter guards can help prevent debris buildup, but regular inspection is still necessary. It’s crucial to check your gutters periodically for any large debris, such as leaves and twigs, especially if you live in a windy area where these items can quickly accumulate. Additionally, after heavy rain, it’s essential to ensure that your gutters are functioning correctly, as water that cannot drain may freeze, leading to roof drainage problems and forming ice dams.
Clean the Gutters
Keeping your gutters clean will help them work effectively to prevent water damage and pest infestations. It will also keep your foundation safe and dry by directing water away. Gutter cleaning is a time-consuming, dirty, and often dangerous job. It’s a yearly chore leading to costly water and roof damage. The most common type of gutter guard is a foam insert that fits into the gutter and keeps out debris like leaves, pine cones, twigs, and organic matter. This type of guard is quick to install and relatively inexpensive. It’s important to note that the foam tends to deteriorate fast, especially in harsh climates, and requires more frequent cleaning. Other gutter covers include brush designs that sit within the gutter and use bristles to catch larger debris from clogging the system. However, the brush design will require regular cleaning to ensure proper functioning and longevity. Also, they may be less effective if your yard has many large trees with many leaves and pine needles.
Clean the Downspouts
Clogged gutters are more than just messy and can cause water damage. Water that cannot drain from the gutters can collect behind and under shingles, resulting in mold, mildew, and rot. Gutter guards help reduce the amount of debris that can clog the gutter system, making cleaning the gutters much more accessible. Cleaning the downspouts is a necessary part of gutter maintenance, and it can be done using a ladder and garden hose. Start by removing any large debris from the top of the gutter, and then position the ladder to access the downspouts. Clean the downspouts by flushing them with the hose until they are free from any buildup of leaves, pine needles, or twigs. While many homeowners opt to install gutter guards as a set-it-and-forget-it solution to gutter cleaning, they are still required to conduct regular visual inspections of the gutters and downspouts. Cleaning the downspouts can be dangerous, and it is recommended that the homeowner have someone to help ensure the ladder’s safety, hand them tools when necessary, and collect the debris as they go.
Replace the Gutters
Although they can significantly reduce the frequency and duration of gutter cleanings, no gutter guard system is entirely maintenance-free. The maintenance needed will vary depending on various factors, such as how many nearby trees are prone to dropping needles or seeds, how much wind blows, and whether your gutter guards have a reverse curve or micro screen design. A trusted home inspection team is a good idea to help you determine the best gutter guard for your home. Once you’ve found the right product, following the care and cleaning instructions closely is essential to ensure your gutter guards remain in good working condition. Before cleaning your gutters, place a drop cloth on the ground to catch any debris that falls off the ladder as you work. Then, don safety gloves and set up a sturdy ladder on a stable surface. Hang a bucket from the ladder to hold your tools and any debris you remove from the gutters.
