Gutters And Downspouts - A New Homeowner's Guide

When moving into your new home, you doubtlessly have many plans to make changes and updates to various aspects of the house

. While you have likely considered many of the aesthetic features of your home, you may not have considered what you need to know about your gutters and downspouts. Your gutters move water from the roof of your home away from not only the roof but also from windows, doors, siding, and your house's foundation, and having gutters that do not function properly can cause not only flooded basements but major structural damage. Making sure that your gutter system and downspouts are well-maintained and functioning properly is critical to prevent expensive water damage to your home in the future.

When inspecting your gutters, you will want to find anything that is likely to cause a blockage or hindrance to water draining properly through the downspouts and away from your home. One of the most typical causes of gutter problems is that leaves or other debris have clogged the gutter system and prevent water from flowing as designed. When water pools in the gutter, it will not only run off the side, but it can also cause damage to the gutters themselves; wooden gutters will rot, and metal gutters can rust and corrode.

This is why gutter cleaning needs to be done frequently in order to prevent problems. If your home is a single level, this cleaning job can easily be done on a ladder, but a multi-story home is best left to the professional. While wearing heavy work gloves, you can scoop out any loose debris with your hands, and then use a hose to blast any remaining debris or to clean the downspout. This process is easiest when the debris is slightly damp, as any dried matter can become encrusted and difficult to move. If the downspout is clogged and the hose's water flow cannot penetrate the blockage, you can use a plumber's auger from the bottom of the spout to clear the clog first.

If you wish to reduce the need for gutter maintenance, you can consider a gutter topper or similar equipment to prevent leaves and debris from entering to begin with. You may be able to modify your existing gutters, though some manufacturers require an entirely new installation. Keep in mind, however, that even a protection system will not eliminate the need for all maintenance. Eventually, some dirt or debris will settle inside and require cleaning, so make sure that any gutter system you consider can be easily removed.

by: Derek Farley

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