Your home’s gutters are responsible for keeping your home safe from heavy rainfall. By channeling the water straight to the storm drain, the gutter prevents problems like moisture damage and soil liquefaction that can be a threat to the foundation. However, the gutter itself must always be kept in good condition. Here are ways to prevent issues.
Keep It Clean
Debris buildup is one of the most common causes of gutter damage. Aside from putting unnecessary weight on the gutters, the debris can block water runoff which leads to pooling. Stagnated water has a bigger chance of causing damage not just to the gutter, but also to the adjoining fascia and other nearby parts of the home.
Don’t Grab the Gutter
A lot of homeowners make the mistake of grabbing on the gutter. Aside from being dangerous, grabbing the gutter when climbing up can cause serious damage to the trough and even cause some fasteners to come off. Others make the mistake of propping their step ladders directly on the gutters. Roofers will usually set their ladders away from the gutters.
Get Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are accessories designed to keep debris from getting into the trough. By installing these in your gutters, you significantly reduce the risks of debris buildup. You also lower the gutter’s maintenance requirements as it doesn’t have to be cleaned as often as you had to before.
Do Not DIY
Some gutter problems occur because of homeowners trying to fix a smaller issue. Instead of getting rid of the issue, they end up causing more damage because they do not have the skills or equipment needed to safely perform gutter maintenance. This is why we recommend hiring certified roofers to have even smaller gutter issues fixed.
Learn more about the soffit and other parts of your roofing system with help from our team. Goodrich Roofing is the leading roofing contractor in New Mexico. Call us at (505) 219-4450, or fill out this contact form to request a quote.