One of the best ways to protect your home from issues like water damage and foundational problems is to maintain your gutter system.

Rain gutters are an essential component of your property, though they are often overlooked or forgotten about. Gutters that function effectively and efficiently ensure that your house and surrounding land remain damage-free and in excellent condition during rain and snowstorms. Clean gutters can also keep unwanted critters and mold at bay. Regular gutter maintenance may seem tedious, but it isn’t as arduous as you think. After you get the hang of the process, you’ll see how easy it is.

If you’re up for the task, continue reading to learn a few helpful tips and tricks for maintaining your gutters.

4 Gutter System Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Before you begin your DIY gutter project, it’s critical to create a safe environment. Gather all necessary tools and safety equipment, such as thick work gloves, safety goggles, good boots, and a sturdy ladder. Do your best to set up your ladder on level ground, and remember to work cautiously and carefully on areas where the ground isn’t perfectly level. Once you’re feeling secure, here are several tips for maintaining your rain gutters:

  1. Clean Your Gutters Semiannually — Consistently cleaning your gutter system helps increase your gutters’ lifespan and keeps the exterior of your home looking and functioning correctly. It will also make your workload the next time around a lot easier since regular maintenance makes for lighter work as time goes on. Homeowners should strive to clean gutters twice every year — once in the spring and again in the fall. You’ll also want to clean them whenever necessary in between these semiannual sessions.
  2. Remove Debris from Roof — When your roof is not covered in rain or ice, there are no strong winds, and there’s daylight, take some time to clear it of leaves, twigs, branches, trash, and other debris. This helps prevent clogs from forming during the next storm.
  3. Inspect Your Gutters — As you clean your gutters, look for loose screws, signs of rust, and damaged areas, especially around the joints. If you find leaks or places where they’re sagging or pulling away from your roof, call in professionals to repair them as soon as possible. If the damage is extensive, those portions of your gutters may need to be replaced.

4. Remember the Downspout — Don’t forget to clean and inspect an essential component of your rain gutters: the downspout. Make sure to look over your downspouts and that they can efficiently direct water away from your property’s foundation. Add extenders if it is necessary.

Contact M & M Gutters & Exterior for Help with Your Gutter System Maintenance

If you aren’t up for a do-it-yourself gutter system maintenance project, we understand that life is busy, and other things take priority. That’s why our experienced professionals are available to help you care for your gutters. Whether the gutters on your Salt Lake City need cleaning, repair, or partial or total replacement, our knowledgeable team is here to help you out. With over 25 years of industry experience, we can assist you with your gutters and siding on new builds, existing homes, and commercial buildings. Contact M & M Gutters & Exteriors today to learn more.