Cleaning And Repairing Rain Gutters
Rain gutters play an important part in protecting your home and foundation from water damage. Putting off cleaning or repairing your rain gutter system can lead to more costly repairs in the future.
Rain gutters need to be maintenanced on a regular schedule every year before the raining season start. This guide will help you in your goal of keeping your gutters in top shape year round.
The role rain gutters play in protecting your home
Water intrusion into your home can cause major damage in a short period of time. The role of your rain gutter system is to direct that water coming off of the roof away from your home including away from your foundation.
This prevents roof damage facia rotting, soil errosion and damage to basements. Even a minor clog in a gutter can cause serious damage costing hundreds of dollars in damages to walls and siding.
Why inspect your rain gutters?
It is important to inspect your rain gutters at least once a year ( twice is best )because water flow can be blocked by debris. Leaves dirt moss and other debris block water flow and clog your gutters.
Damage can also be caused by snow, heavy weather events like high winds that damage rain gutter parts. Down spouts can come loose and clog too causing cracks in your foundation from flooding.
Inspections should include checking the level of your gutters to be sure that the water flows toward the down spout. While inspecting the rain gutters visually inspect your roofing shingle to make sure they are in good shape.
How to clean rain gutters safely
Cleaning rain gutters can be dangerous so here are some helpful instructions and tools that will make the job safer.
• Heavy-duty gloves
• A sturdy extention ladder
• Water hose and spray nozzle
• Plastic bristle brush
• Safety goggles and harness if cleaning from the roof.
The proper ladder is important use an extention ladder that extends at least 3 feet past the gutter. If possible have someone help you and only place the ladder on stable ground.
If cleaning the rain gutters form the roof it is more safe to be tied off and wearing a harness or just clean from the ground using the ladder and avoid a possible fall from the roof.
Step-by-step rain gutter cleaning process
Lean your ladder up against the rain gutter raising at least 3 feet above it. Make sure ladder is firmly placed flat on the ground.
Assess the debris in the gutters and start removing twigs and larger debris by placing in a bucket or sturdy garbage bag. Use your gloved hand to remove leaves and a scoop to remove packed dirt and asphalt shingle gravel. Check roofing shingle for moss buildup and remove any moss found on the shingles that may fall into the rain gutters. You can also treat moss and kill it. This product is available a most hardware stores or you can purchase online.
Follow by rinsing the rain gutters clear of remaining debris. As you do again look for leaks and clogs in the downspouts. It is best to clean your gutters twice a year in spring and in fall.
DIY rain gutter repair
Once your rain gutters are clean and dry and you have identified leaks or clogs it is time to repair them.
Leaks caused by cracked seams or holes can be repaired with silicone sealant. Cleanout the debris and apply silicone sealant to a clean and dry seam. If gutter downspouts are detached or loose secure them with screws.
Rain gutters that are not leveled to drain towards the downspout drains need to be pitched correctly and resecured to the facia. You can verify this by running water in the gutter and checking if the flow is right.
