A quality set of gutters can last most homeowners anywhere from 20 to 30 years. But there’s a catch — you should learn a little about gutter cleaning and do-it-yourself repair to keep these all-important water repellents in top shape. You can preserve your gutter system’s structural integrity and life span by dedicating a few hours to seasonal cleaning and de-clogging at least twice a year.
This comprehensive guide is chock-full of DIY gutter fixes, cleaning methods and common issues to be aware of. You’ll be a gutter-cleaning guru in no time after browsing these tips.
5 Common Gutter Problems to Note
Before we give you cleaning advice, you should know when it’s time to clean your gutters. Below are some standard gutter problems that indicate the need for a thorough cleaning.
1. Mold and Mildew
Rain and other precipitation can cause moisture buildup in your gutters, providing a breeding ground for mold, mildew and bacteria. Mold stains are an eyesore that can also cause foul-smelling odors, severe structural damage and household health concerns.
Besides mold growth, standing water and overflowing gutters can rot and damage wood fascia around your roof. Wood rot can lead to a slew of attic and interior problems. It’s critical to address mold growth and water damage immediately.
2. Plant Growth
Seeds can root and sprout in excess soil in your gutter system. Besides stimulating plant growth, dirt in your gutters can lead to clogs and blockages. If you notice weeds, small trees and other plants growing in your gutters, be sure to tackle them immediately.
3. Animals and Pests
Dirty gutters can be a hotbed for critters like birds, mice, squirrels, snakes and bugs. They often nest in debris like leaves and twigs. When left unaddressed, this issue may cause infestations that lower your home’s curb appeal and structural integrity. If you spot animal nests in your gutters, clear them out immediately before you have a rodent problem on your hands.
4. Overflowing Water or Roof Leakage
A leaky roof can signify dirty, blocked gutters and be a cause for concern. A clogged gutter system cannot divert rainwater away from your home, causing leaks that can affect your home’s structure.
Overflowing gutters also suggest blockage that can nurture mold growth and impact your property value. Keeping up with routine gutter cleanings and maintenance can minimize the risk of rainwater buildup and roof leaks.
5. An Inadequate Cleaning Schedule
If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your gutters, that’s another telltale sign to address them. Experts recommend cleaning gutter systems at least twice yearly — once in fall and once in spring.
Autumn leaves fall onto rooftops and into gutters, making fall cleanings a must. Likewise, spring brings rainfall that can clog gutters with debris, so you’ll also want to shuffle a cleaning into this season. However, your gutters may require more frequent cleanings if abundant trees, vegetation and rainfall surround your home.
How to DIY Clean Gutters
You don’t have to be a repair pro or engineer to know how to fix gutters and clean them properly. If you own a ladder, a hose and a set of simple tools — and are willing to spend an hour or two of your time — it’s possible to clean and fix dirty, leaking gutters.
We recommend these steps for cleaning gutters.
- Gather your equipment: This chore is dirty work. Wear safety goggles, a hat, rubber gloves, work shoes and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Set up your ladder: Use a stabilizer or a human helper to secure your ladder. Climb down and move it every so often as your work progresses.
- Scoop out the debris: Use a spatula, a plastic sandbox shovel or a garden scoop to remove any clumps of gunk and debris you notice in the guttering.
- Hose out the gutters: Use a garden hose on a medium-to-high setting to rinse out debris you could not clear with your scoop.
- Note any problems: Before cleaning up, note any leaks, disconnected downspouts, cracks in the guttering, broken or non-functioning seals on PVC gutters, rust and sagging areas. You can’t address these problems in the cleaning phase, but you can take care of them when you follow the gutter repair steps below.
Steps for House Gutter Repair
Sometimes, your gutter system may require more than a routine cleaning job. A minor repair or touch-up might be in order. Many repairs are straightforward enough to perform on your own if you have the correct tools and resources. Here are some signs to fix your gutters and how to approach these repairs:
- Disconnected downspouts: A broken or loose connector bracket is the most common reason for downspout problems. Or, if your spouts have wall plugs, they will sometimes loosen. Replace the brackets or plugs or tighten the screws that affix the spout to the house.
- Rust: Rust is the enemy of gutters. Put on your safety eyewear and use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove the rust. Apply some primer and let it dry, then apply two coats of bitumen paint. You can use gloss paint as a substitute.
- Excessive debris: If you do regular cleaning, you know how to remove excess debris. But if you have gutter covers and still have debris buildup, take a good look at the covers. Some cheaper models develop lengthwise cracks and large holes. Replace old, broken gutter covers when necessary.
- UPVC/PVC leaks: Check the seals. They are usually the culprits when leaks are present. Squeeze the guttering to remove old, worn, cracked seals and replace them with new ones.
When to Replace Gutters
Even if you’re a DIY expert on repairing leaking gutters, you will eventually need professional intervention. That’s why it helps to know when to call in the experts. Those signs usually show up as:
- Water or visible mildew near the foundation
- Severe rust on the gutters
- Gutters that have pulled away from the house
- Sagging gutters
- Structural damage to your home near or under gutters
- Splits, cracks and peeled paint anywhere on gutters
Additionally, standing water in your gutters or puddles around your home can be red flags. Climb up to your roof and examine your gutters. If you can’t locate clogs or blockage, you likely need to replace your gutters.
Catch Gutter Issues Early
Cleaning and repairs help maximize the life of your home’s gutter system. But once you notice rust, water damage to your home or mildew near the foundation, it’s almost certainly time to replace your gutters.
The earlier you catch problems, the lower your gutter repair cost will be. Spotting leaks or cracked gutters before they do structural damage can be a huge money saver.
At AmeriPro Roofing, we replace gutter systems on homes of all kinds, helping owners prevent thousands of dollars worth of structural damage. High-quality gutters are one of the best investments you can make for your home’s long-term health.
Schedule Your Complimentary Gutter Inspection Today
Sometimes, standard gutter cleanings and DIY repairs may fall short of getting to the root of the problem. That’s where a knowledgeable roofing and gutter services provider comes in. Our experienced gutter contractors at AmeriPro Roofing can provide the solutions you need.
Are you looking for high-quality aluminum gutters, gutter guards or installation services? We’ve got you covered with roof repair and gutter replacement. Book your complimentary gutter inspection with us today!
