Roof and Gutter Maintenance: Everything You Need to Know
While the Valley gets less rain than other parts of the state, that 10-12 inches we get each year seem to dump on us all at once during the summer.
The brief, intense storms that mark monsoon season can quickly overwhelm your gutters if you haven’t been taking care of them. And when gutter maintenance falls behind, it spells problems for your roof and siding that can cost far more than fixing a sagging gutter ever would.
Taking care of your gutters isn’t a hard chore, but it’s often overlooked when it comes to home maintenance. Most people aren’t keen to climb up a ladder to deal with them or don’t have a good idea of what they’re looking for once they’re up there.
Let’s take a look at why gutters matter, how to inspect your gutter, and when to call a roofing contractor to check for any major damage.
How Your Gutters Impact Your Home
Most people don’t give their gutters much thought, but they do have a significant impact on the health of your roof, siding, and the structural integrity of your home. Their primary function is to efficiently channel water away from the roof—particularly critical for non-tile roofs—and then divert it away from the foundation to prevent erosion.
Neglecting gutter maintenance can lead to serious consequences. Without well-cared-for gutters, water can accumulate on the roof or saturate the soil around your foundation, leading to instability and potential structural damage. Clogged gutters can trap water in areas where it’s least wanted, causing rot in fascia boards and trim. This moisture-laden wood becomes a prime target for pests such as termites and carpenter ants, which are attracted to and thrive in wet environments. Additionally, the trapped water can foster mold and algae growth, which not only compromises the quality of your home’s exterior but can also affect indoor air quality if left unchecked. Furthermore, the extra weight from debris and water buildup can strain and pull at the soffits and fascia, risking damage and costly repairs. Regular gutter cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent these issues and maintain the health of your home.
How to Inspect Your Gutters
Since there are a few things you might be able to see from the ground, a real inspection requires getting up on a ladder so you can see what’s going on up there. You’ll want to make sure you inspect it before the summer rains arrive.
The most obvious thing you’ll notice is whether the gutters have gotten clogged, but there are a few other things you’ll want to be looking for as well. These include:
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- Holes, rust, or dents
- Sagging
- Insecure hangers
- Sealant on seams and caps
- Wood rot
- Standing water
- Holes, rust, or dents
Any of these indicate a problem that requires repair before the next rainstorm.
Basic Gutter Maintenance and Repairs
Most gutter chores should be done a couple of times per year, while repairs should be made as needed and as soon as they’re identified. Whether you can do any of these tasks yourself depends a lot on your skills and comfort with heights.
Clean
You can’t get more basic than cleaning when it comes to maintenance, and that is the place you need to start each time. Whether debris has reached the point of clogging or not, a clean gutter is much easier to inspect and makes fixing other problems more effective.
Make sure you wear gloves and use a small shovel to get debris out of the gutters. The shovel comes in handy especially if your asphalt shingles are shedding granules into the gutter. Spray down the gutter with your garden hose to clean out small debris and dirt.
Keep an eye on the water flow while you’re spraying to see whether water is coming out the bottom of the downspouts. Look for any issues with draining around the top of the spout and watch that water is running toward the downspout and not pooling in other spots.
You can cut out a good bit of cleaning by trimming back tree branches to avoid debris getting in the gutter in the first place. And while you’re cleaning the gutters, take the time to clear debris off the roof as well before it gets in the gutter.
Rust, Leaks, and Holes
Leaks at seams can be fixed by applying new sealant and caulk. If you found issues with loose end caps, tap them back into place and seal them as well. In both cases, these can be the result of leaving heavy debris sitting in the gutter for too long.
Small holes can be patched using metal flashing or a patch kit. Large ones should be taken care of by replacing the piece of gutter.
If you found rust during your inspection, it’s time to replace that piece of the gutter. Peeling paint on other pieces should be taken care of as well since that can lead to more rust or leaks.
Slope and Alignment
Your gutter might look like it runs level, but it should have a slight downward angle toward the downspouts. Standing water in your gutter means the angle is off, which in turn can attract pests and end up causing more sagging.
Check all the fasteners that attach the gutter to the eaves. A gap between the gutter and eave is a good sign you probably have a loose one. Replace any damaged hangers or spikes and tighten up the others.
The slope should be slight and can be adjusted by loosening some hangers and tightening others. If you’ve noticed issues with wood rot, you should repair that damage before you start adjusting the gutter slope.
Need to Check for Gutter or Roof Damage?
Gutter maintenance is an easy yet frequently overlooked aspect of home upkeep. Regular inspections take a bit of time but are crucial in spotting potential problems such as clogs, mold, or pest infestations before they escalate. Knowing what to look for, such as leaves and debris accumulation, improper water flow, or damage to gutter sections, can prevent these common but avoidable issues. Proper care not only keeps gutters looking good but also ensures they function effectively, protecting your home by directing water away from the foundation and preventing water damage to your roof and walls.
Moreover, maintaining your gutters can enhance the curb appeal of your home, making it look well-kept and meticulous. This can be particularly important if you’re considering selling your home, as it adds to the overall impression potential buyers have of your property’s maintenance.
Regular gutter and roof maintenance not only prevents immediate problems but also prolongs the lifespan of your roofing system. Water damage can be insidious and extensive, leading to costly repairs if gutters are not adequately maintained. To assist you in this essential maintenance, our company offers a free roofing checkup. This checkup can help determine whether you require our specialized roofing services. Keeping your gutters clean and in good repair is a simple measure that can save you a lot of trouble and expense in the long run. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary inspection and ensure your home is protected from the elements.