Gutters may not be the first thing to jump out at you when you’re looking at your home. Yet your home’s gutter system plays a very important role in keeping your Minnesota home in good condition. If gutters aren’t functioning well, ice dams can form on your roof’s outskirts and water can end up under your shingles. (Not to mention water leaking into your basement if gutters aren’t working properly.) How can you help keep your gutters running smoothly? And, what signs of trouble should you look for? Here are some tips on how to keep your gutter system in tip-top shape.
Four Essential Gutter Maintenance Tips
Keep Gutters Clean
One of the most important things you can do to keep your gutters working effectively is to keep them clean. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can build up in your gutters and cause them to clog. When gutters are clogged, they are not able to effectively channel water away from your home, which can lead to water damage. To prevent this from happening, be sure to clean your gutters on a regular basis.
Inspect Gutters Regularly
In addition to keeping them clean, you should also inspect your gutters regularly for any signs of damage. Look for cracks, holes, or separations in the seams of your gutters. These problems can allow water to leak through, which can again lead to water damage. If you notice any damage, be sure to have it repaired as soon as possible.
Make Sure Gutters Are Sloped Properly
Another important thing to check is that your gutters are sloped properly. Gutters should be sloped so that they drain water away from your home at a rate of about one inch per ten feet. If they are not properly sloped, water will pool in your gutters and eventually overflow into your home.
Use Gutter Guards
Finally, you may want to consider using gutter guards to help keep your gutters working effectively. Gutter guards are designed to keep leaves and other debris out of your gutters while still allowing water to flow through. This can help reduce the amount of time you need to spend cleaning your gutters and can also help reduce the risk of clogs.
Three Signs It’s Time to Replace Gutters
1. Water has left its mark.
Take a look not just at your gutters themselves, but also the area around them. Do you see discoloration or other unpleasantness on your siding? Could it be from water going where it’s not supposed to? This damage could be a sign of gutter issues.
2. You’re gaining an unwanted outdoor pool.
Standing water caused by downspouts could be an indication that your gutter system needs work. You don’t want this water to freeze and get icy. Further, make sure downspouts are taking water far enough away from your foundation.
3. Your gutters are loose or sagging.
If your gutters are starting to sag or veer away from your house, it could be from snow accumulating inside them. Or, the small parts that attach gutters to your house could need attention.
Contact Minnesota Exteriors to Get a Free Estimate for Gutter Replacement
A well-designed gutter system plays an integral role in your home’s health. It’s worth taking the time to make sure your gutters are draining water properly. If you
have any questions about replacing your home’s gutters, give us a call or request a free estimate. We understand the factors that go into designing an effective gutter system, and we’re experienced at putting in seamless aluminum gutters. A third-generation, family-owned company, it’s important to us to provide excellent
service. We enjoy helping clients from Minneapolis, St. Paul, Osseo and beyond. Let us know how we can help you.