How to Maintain the Gutters and Downspouts

Water damage is a major cause of concern that can result from poor gutter maintenance and lead to issues with damage to the walls and foundation. By putting in place the proper gutter and downspout maintenance it is possible to make sure rain is whisked away from the property and not given the time to cause any harm. Here are several steps to help in the process of maintaining the gutters and downspouts:

Keep the gutters clean and debris free

The build-up of debris in the gutter channel can cause plenty of problems and even shorten the usable life span of the gutter system. There are several ways the rainwater can damage the guttering, such as causing rot or rust to the wooden or metal systems. Alternatively, it can add extra and unnatural weight to the guttering which can over time start to pull the system from the property. The most important time to clean the guttering is after the trees drop their leaves and before the winter rainy season starts.

How to clean the gutter and downspout

Before starting the work on the guttering system, it is essential to have the right tools in place. The preferred tools can consist of items like a bucket with hanging hook, a whisk broom, a garden trowel, a ladder and heavy-duty work gloves Start the cleaning process near one of the downspouts and scoop up the dirt, leaves, moss, etc. while making sure to push the debris away from the outlet of the downspout. Use the hands or a purpose made scoop to lift out the debris and pour into the bucket. Only stretch within a safe distance while up the ladder and relocate as often as necessary to clean the full length of the gutter system. Once the actual cutter channels are clear it is possible to move on to the downspout. This is usually a simple process of running water down the downspout to check for signs of blockages or leaks. If a blockage is detected the better course of action is a strong blast of water. If that doesn’t provide the desired results it may be necessary to disassemble the downspout until the actual blockage is found and eliminated.

Install the gutter caps

Gutter caps are great for the guttering system that are plagued with a regular build up of leaves, twigs or other debris from closely located trees. The intention of the caps is to provide metal cover over the top of the gutter to stop most of the debris getting inside.

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