There's no doubt that gutter cleaning is a task that often gets neglected, but it's one you should do regularly. In addition to regular cleaning and maintaining gutters, gutters are an essential part of your home. Tips for caring for and maintaining your gutters are provided below.

Why Gutters Are Important

Understanding gutter maintenance and care is the first step. In addition to directing water away from your roof, gutters protect your foundation from water damage. Water damage is prevented, and the life of your roof can be extended by maintaining your roof's drainage system.

Leaving debris in gutters over time can clog them, causing sagging, mold, mildew, and water damage, so it's essential to keep them clean. The good news is that gutters can be kept clean and clogged with no effort.

How Often to Clean Gutters

It is recommended to clean gutters at least once or twice a year, according to experts. Nevertheless, if you reside in an area with a lot of trees, your gutters may need to be cleaned more frequently because plant materials and animal nests can easily clog the gutters.

Seasonal cleans are best. During the fall and spring seasons, more pollen and seeds fall from plants, so it is best to clean your gutters during those times. To prevent buildup, you should clean your gutters during these times of the year. In addition, the weather is generally perfect for yard work and any maintenance you've neglected.

How to Clean Dirty Gutters

In many cases, water cleaning or gutter washing will accomplish the task, as will a handheld electric air blower. If there is any buildup in your gutter, you can dig it out with a gutter scoop. Downspouts should be cleaned first, then gutters. The biggest clogs and buildups may need to be dislodged with a power washer or a plumbing snake.

Upgrade Your Gutters with Guards

You may already have gutters in your home, but you may need to add gutter splash guards to upgrade them. The dirt around your home might be disturbed by the force of the rain hitting the ground if you have ever checked the perimeter of your home after heavy rain and noticed that dirt splashed up on the side of your home. If this happens, you might want to install splash guards.

Water should be drained effectively from your home's downspouts and roof using splash guards so that mold and mildew damage is adequately prevented. Splash guards should also be installed at the base of your home's downspouts. It may be necessary for you to install leaf guards if your area is heavily covered with trees, which prevent leaves and large debris from clogging the gutters. 

Signs You Need to Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning your gutters regularly and seasonally may not be enough; here are a few signs to look out for, besides regular and seasonal cleaning:

• There is a buildup if you can see debris over the sides of your gutters without removing your ladder.
• If water is overflowing from your gutters.
• If plants are sprouting. 
• The downspout may not be producing water (this may indicate a clog or freezing in the downspout affecting the flow).
• If pests or animals are starting to live in your gutters.
• If downspout rivets are loose or have fallen out.
• You will notice rust on your gutters if the paint has been damaged or if the gutters lack strength.

Maintenance: Solutions Beyond Cleaning

You can prevent gutter buildup by performing some simple maintenance in addition to seasonal cleaning. 

Be sure to check your gutters for cracks causing subtle leaks while you're cleaning them. As you're up there, run some water over the roof to check for holes and damage. After sealing any damage with silicone sealing or caulk, you can prevent further damage.

Additionally, gutter helmets are also called gutter screens or guards. The purpose of these covers is to prevent debris from clogging your gutter and forming a buildup. These snap-on strainers connect to gutters and act as a strainer, allowing water to pass through but blocking larger debris. Further diverting water away from your house is also possible with a downspout extension or irrigation pipe.

For more information, contact RRG Roofing at 678-326-4951. We service areas in Dahlonega, Blairsville, Hiawassee, and Alpharetta, GA.