Keeping Your Gutters and Downspouts Healthy!

It’s easy to forget that your roof’s gutters serve a function until they actually stop functioning. If your downspouts or gutters stop working properly or become clogged, you could soon be faced with multiple problems. The resultant issues may range from moderate to severe depending on how quickly the issue is addressed.

The best way to avoid damage caused by improper drainage is to keep gutters and downspouts clean and well-maintained. Gutter maintenance is relatively simple to implement and it is well worth your time and effort.

How to Properly Maintain Your Gutters And Downspouts

What Can Happen When Gutters and Downspouts Get Clogged?

A variety of problems may arise when gutters become clogged. If leaves, twigs and other debris accumulate in your downspouts and gutters, they cannot perform the job they were designed to do. Melting snow and rainwater can flow downward from the roof to the walls of your home; this may lead to the erosion and decay of the roof, siding and structure. Eventually, parts of your home could begin leaking or develop fungus.

Another unfortunate possibility is that insects might make your clogged gutters their new place of residence. An accumulation of sticks and leaves can seem very inviting to critters such as mosquitoes and termites. Once these pests begin to populate your gutters, you could quickly experience an infestation in or around your home, yikes!

How to Keep your Downspouts and Gutters in Good Shape

To ensure that your gutters and downspouts remain in top condition, clean them regularly. You can use a ladder or an extension tool to reach the gutters, and you can clean out the downspouts with a hose. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this job, you should hire a professional.

If you or prospective buyers are scheduling home inspections, you will want to make sure that your gutters and downspouts are free of debris. If you don’t have this job done annually, you may need to get termite inspections or entire roof inspections in the future.

Interested in a Termite Inspection, Home Inspection, Roof Inspection or NHD Report in the Bay Area, Sacramento, Modesto or Novato?

HomeGuard performs a variety of services to assist Real Estate Agents, homeowners and homebuyers, alike. If you need a home inspection, roof inspection, or termite inspection, we are here to assist you. We also provide Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD) reports. Call us today at 855-331-1900, or fill out our online contact form for more information.