Spring is the season that has the mildest weather conditions, but that doesn’t mean that your gutters, or your roofing system for that matter, have fewer maintenance requirements during this season. Contrary to what most expect, you’ll need to clean your gutters more frequently now that the trees have begun growing foliage again. If leaves and other organic debris end up clogging your gutters, rainwater can overflow and damage your exterior.
Remember: gutter damage builds up fast, which is why preventive gutter maintenance is a must. To help you get started on your spring cleaning, here are some maintenance tips:
Using th Right Tools
Fortunately, most of the debris that ends up in your gutters can be easily removed. You can easily scoop out small leaves and twigs either by hand or by using a leaf blower or wet or dry vacuum. Flushing the gutters with a garden hose works just as well. If you encounter stubborn clogs, you can use a plumber’s snake to break up large clumps of leaves and twigs.
Inspecting Your Gutters for Leaks
Suspect there’s a leak in your gutters? Keep an eye out for overflowing water on a rainy day.
What Are the Usual Culprits Behind Leaks?
Rust is the usual culprit behind leaks. Corrosion slowly eats away metal until it leaves behind holes through which water can leak. However, this isn’t a problem for corrosion-resistant aluminum gutters.
Another possible culprit is excess weight load. The combined weight of accumulated debris and rainwater can cause sections of your gutters to pull apart at the seams, a common weak point of conventional gutter systems. Seamless gutters, which don’t have this weak point, are more leak-resistant. If you’re considering installing seamless gutters, make sure only an experienced roofing contractor handles the gutter installation.
Looking for experienced contractors in your area?
Goodrich Roofing has been providing professional roofing services to local residents since 1946. To get a free quote, call us at (505) 219-4450. We serve homeowners in New Mexico.