When most Milwaukee homeowners think of home maintenance, they think of re-roofing a home or perhaps giving their house a beautiful new coat of paint. Yet so many of us neglect one of the most important aspects of our home—the gutters. Failure to keep up with regular gutter maintenance can result in a whole mess of problems that can add up quite fast.
Don’t wait for clogged gutters to ruin your day. Instead, make sure you keep your gutters working well by following these five tips for gutter maintenance.
1. Keep Your Ladder Steady at All Times
When it comes to gutter maintenance tips, this is easily the most important piece of advice we can offer: Always make sure your ladder is secure.
Before you begin your ascent, ensure that the base of the ladder is steady. This keeps the ladder from swaying, so you can climb safely.
Most ladders have hooks on the top rung which connect straight to your gutters. If your ladder doesn’t have hooks, bungee cords work just as well.
2. Correct Your Gutter’s Slope
Ideally, your gutters should have a slight decline every 1/4 inch or so leading directly to the pipe. Should you see any standing water in your gutters, there’s a high likelihood that the slope needs adjusting.
To do so, measure the span of your gutters and multiply by 1/16. The resulting number is your ideal drop. Now, remove any fasteners or rivets, and then adjust as necessary until any standing water flows freely.
3. Use a Garden Hose to Check for Leaks
Once you’re finished with your initial debris removal, you’ll want to take a garden hose and let water trickle through your gutters. This will help you see if you missed any spots. It can also help you determine if any hidden debris is damming up the water.
4. Sealing Leaks Is Easier Than You May Think
Should you discover any unfortunate leaks in your gutters, don’t worry—they’re quite easy to seal up.
All you need is a bit of caulk, which can be found at any local hardware store. Simply place the caulk over the hole and allow it to dry. Some caulks can take up to a full 24 hours to dry, so make sure there isn’t any rain in the forecast.
5. Don’t Forget to Check the Drainpipes
Your gutter’s drainpipes are an essential (yet often neglected) part of the gutter system. Obstructions in the drainpipes can cause your entire system to back up and overflow.
A plumber’s auger is all you need to clear any debris clogging your drainpipe. Snake the auger up to the pipe until you can easily pull any debris out of it. You’ll know you’ve cleared the blockage when water can easily flow away from your home.
Use These Gutter Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Gutters Clean and Functioning
If you’re still unsure about how to properly maintain your gutters, or you just want a clean, superior job, be sure to get in touch today for a free estimate.
Our courteous and professional staff will help ensure that your gutters remain leak-free and clean, so you can better enjoy your home. Services available throughout Milwaukee and Menomonee Falls.
