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.

Sticks and twigs from trees, hail, moss and even birds can damage your roof shingles. Missing or damage roof shingles can lead to tears in waterproof roofing membrane and cause leaks. If not repaired rotten wood and major leaks can occur without notice. Regularly schedule roof maintenance will extend the life of your roof.

Inspecting your roof

Before climbing up on your roof safety must be observed at all times. On some pitched roofs a harness and tie-offs are required for safety. Always climb with care and avoid falls. Place your ladder on a solid surface and test before climbing to the roof. Wear shoes that have a good grip only and never wear flip-flops.

Climb on a day when there is no wind and it isn’t raining or icy A wet roof can also get very slippery really fast. Take your time and watch where you are stepping. Start inspecting the roof at the ridgeline working your way down to the gutters. Look for missing, cracked and damaged shingles. Also look for faded brittle shingles, moss and missing granules or bald spots.

Take note of the amount and type of debris you find on the roof twigs, branches and leaves. Look at the condition of the gutters and if they need to be cleaned. If you have a fireplace now would be a good time to check the condition of the bricks or wood trim if you have a gas fireplace. Roof vents, seals and roof stack boots need to also be inspected.

Avoid walking on areas of the roof that you know have loose or damaged shingles. Home roof repair and replacement grants are available for low income families and seniors.

Types of shingle damage

Shingles are design to overlap each other so rain water flows off the roof into the gutters. Gaps caused by missing shingles allow moisture to get under the shingle where moss can form and lifting of the shingle can worsen the problem. Heat from the sun can curl and warp an asphalt shingle. Missing shingles leave gaps that invite rain. It is important to repair damaged roofing as soon as possible to avoid additional repairs.

Tools Needed:

Utility Knife/New Blade
Roofing Trowel
Roofing Cement & Black Jack
Galvanized Roofing Nails
A Hammer
Pry/Flat Bar
Gloves
Eye Protection

Step by step roofing shingle repair

First sweep of blow debris off the roof using a broom or blower. Locate and mark the areas you found that need repaired with tape. Repair splits and cracks by liftin the shingle with the roofing trowel and placing a quarter size dab of roofing cement between the shingles then smooth flat. you can also run a bead of cement along the front edge of the shingle to prevent lifting. Let dry 24 hours.

Replacing missing shingles

locate nails that are holding the tabs. While using a flat bar pop them loose. Lift the old shingles up and slide out the old shingles. Cut the tabs to fit on the new shingles then lift the old shingle and slide the new one in. Nail it down using 4 roofing nails placed 1 inch from the edge. Press the tabs down and seal the nail heads with cement.

Reattaching lifted shingles

Lifted shingles trap moisture and must be fixed immediately. Tn this simple task requires lifting the shingle with the roofing trowel and placing a dime size dab of cement under the shingle then flattening with the trowel. Hold down for 2 minutes. You can put a weight on stubborn lifts that refuse to stay down until cement had dried.

Temporary solution minor granule loss

Spread black jack on the shingle then sprinkle granules or fine sand over the sealant for a quick patch. If the shingle has lost all of the granules from it then replace the shingle. It is very important to do this on dry days under 90 degrees for best results.

Professionals use cameras, sensitive listening devices and thermal imaging to find water leaks without having to open up walls. Acoustic listening devices can hear water dripping or hissing from a cracked pipe behind a wall or underground and locate the leak within a couple of feet or less.

Calling a Professional Roofer

If the problem covers more then 25% of your total roof’s square footage call a pro. If the roof pitch makes the job too dangerous or you lack the physical ability to navigate the roof hire someone to do the job.