Gutters are a really important part of any home, one that owners tend to neglect so often. It is really important that you do not neglect this vital maintenance step because clogged roof gutter will send a lot of water down house sides. Your flowerbeds will be flooded and your foundation will be saturating. In fact, the damage caused by water due to faulty gutters can lead to extensive repairs in all parts of the home.
Homeowners have to clean gutters of all debris and leaves in order to prevent siding and landscaping damage. Without new gutters Denver repairs done at the right time, expensive extra repairs will be necessary, with foundation reinforcement almost always being over $10,000.
How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned?
House gutters need to be cleaned at least one time per year. When there are overhanging trees close-by, this task needs to be done two times per year. At the same time, if there are big storms, clogged gutters should be taken care of. A clog happens at the link between the gutter systems and downspouts so these are the parts that should be closely checked.
Cleaning Your Own Gutters
Always wear a long sleeved shirt and rubber gloves. Take an extendable ladder and use standoff stabilizers to avoid gutter damage caused by the ladder. It is also a good idea to have someone with you so you are sure the ladder is secured.
You will want to remove the gunk so use small plastic scoops. Gutter scoops are available at hardware stores or you can easily try a sand shovel from a toy set. Whenever the lawn is important for you, dump all stuff on plastic tarps for extra protection.
The last step after clearing muck is flushing downspouts and gutters. The garden hose is all you need. If you notice any leaks, you need to contact professionals.
Hiring Someone To Clean Your Gutters
Obviously, climbing a ladder and working on the roof is not something that is for everyone. It is also dangerous for many homeowners. Hiring someone else is definitely a good idea in many cases. This will cost you anywhere between 50 and 250 dollars, based on house height and size.
Be sure that the professional you contact is experienced and licensed. That is very important since you have to be sure that everything is handled safely and properly. If you believe you cannot do everything of your own, contact professionals.
Gutter Covers
Gutter damage prevention is always something you want to think about. Clogging can be slowed down by simply installing some covers. They can be in the form of clip-on grates, porous foam and mesh screens. However, you need more than just the gutters and regular maintenance will always be necessary. In order to install gutter covers, you should expect to pay up to $8 per running foot. Also, this work should be done by professional roofers for optimum long term efficiency, even if you are really handy with tools.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
