Water damage can be a major problem for homes, especially during particularly wet years, or in parts of the country where rain, snow, or ice are part of normal seasonal changes (such as NW Ohio and SE Michigan). If you want to maintain a damage-free, dry home, it is important to pay attention to your gutters. Gutters are designed to catch rain and other moisture and carry it away from your house and foundation. If gutters leak or become blocked with leaves or other debris, moisture can find its way into the walls and foundation of your home, leading to structural damage, mold, and other problems.
If your gutters are within safe reach and you plan to clean them yourself, the first step is to climb a ladder and remove leaves and debris. Be sure your ladder is well-built and safe, and that you feel comfortable on it. It is always best to have a second person either holding the ladder or making sure you are safe during this task. Leaning a ladder against an aluminum gutter may damage the gutter; it is better to use a standoff ladder attachment.
Now, wearing protective gloves, pull leaves and other debris from the gutter and drop them in to a bucket. If you are concerned about how to dispose of the debris, consider this: decomposed leaves make great compost. When you are in the process of cleaning out your gutters, be sure to check the downspout. Every part of the gutter must be clear and free of debris so that water can drain properly.
Once your gutters are clean, make sure the spikes or other attachments are holding all gutters securely in place. Ice and snow damage can cause gutters to sag. This online video by Danny Lipford gives step by step directions on how to replace gutter spikes with gutter screws, since aluminum gutter spikes and ferrules can bend easily and work loose over time. eHow.com, meanwhile, offers directions on how to fix gutter spikes, replace damaged brackets, or repair gutters that are attached with hangers, straps, or concealed brackets.
Another common problem to watch out for is gutters that leak. According to HomeTips.com, if your gutters are leaking, the first places you should check for damage are the joints between the sections. If the leaks originate here, make sure the gutters are dry, brush the leaking seams clean, and then apply silicone-rubber caulking compound along the seams, both inside and outside, to seal the leaks. Small holes can be patched with roofing cement, according to the site, and larger gutter holes can be covered by embedding a sheet-metal patch in roofing cement, and then applying another coat of cement over the patch. AskTheBuilder.com has posted an online video illustrating how to repair leaking gutters, and recommends contacting your gutter manufacturer to get information on the right sealer for your particular gutters.
Remember, ServiceMaster Clean can help you handle emergency water damage restoration. But if you keep your gutters clean, leak-free, and securely fastened to your home, you will likely avoid at least regular seasonal damage.
If you need help with cleaning your gutters, call the experts at Park-Ellis ServiceMaster today at 419-861-9602!
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