Gutters are a purely functional aspect of a home

The most important aspect of gutter maintenance is really the most simple. Gutters should be checked periodically to ensure they are not blocked with leaves or debris. Doing this a couple of times a year is generally sufficient and will make a huge difference in the proper function of your gutters. During these semi-annual checks you should also carefully inspect gutters Portland Or for weather damage, cracks, breaks, or shifting that may cause water to be misdirected. Gutter inspection is time-consuming, but a couple of days a year will ensure they are able to function properly and protect your home from unnecessary water damage.

Removal of debris from gutters Portland Or does take some time, but it doesn't have to be difficult. Start by removing large debris with gloved hands. This includes items such as twigs and cones. You will also want to remove old gutter guards. You can then use a trowel to scoop smaller debris out of the gutter. Once the majority of the debris has been removed, give the gutter a thorough rinsing to remove any remaining small debris or dirt. Check to see that gutter water is draining through the down spout properly. Seeping and spraying due to a clog can cause damage to your home. Most down spout clogs can be flushed out with a power hose. If this does not work, you can use a plumber's snake.

While performing your semi-annual gutters Portland Or maintenance, be sure to inspect gutter points and joints. Replace screws and supports as needed. If you see water leaking through any gutter joints, you should apply sealant to prevent further leakage. This requires that you thoroughly clean the area surrounding the joint with a wire brush. Once cleaned, apply sealant and allow it to dry. You also want to verify that your gutters slope appropriately to support proper drainage and avoid pooling water. Adjust them as needed.

To minimize the work of semi-annual gutter maintenance, consider have gutter guards installed. There is a large variety of gutter guards available, so check consumer reviews to find those that work the best and are easiest to keep clean. Gutter guards are placed over the top of gutters to prevent debris from entering them in the first place. They have vents or holes where rain water can enter the gutters and drain but are small enough to keep leaves, twigs, and other gutter-clogging items out.