Gutters are an essential part of your home’s water management system. Their sole purpose is to channel water away from the foundation, roof, and siding of your home. Unfortunately, due to extreme storms, insufficient cleaning, and old age, your gutter system could need repair to keep protecting your home.
Read on for ways to get the most out of your gutter system.
Get the Most Out of Your Gutter System
Gutters need to efficiently move water away from your home and foundation to avoid mildew, mold, and other significant problems. If left unchecked, excessive weight from ice, leaves and other wet debris can cause your gutters to crack, bulge, or eventually collapse, leading to thousands of dollars in additional repairs. Thankfully, there are ways to maximize your gutter system to drastically reduce your yearly maintenance and potential for water damage, including:
1. Upgrade to a Seamless Gutter System
If you’re looking to replace your gutters, you’ll need first to choose which design you’d prefer. There are two gutter options you can choose from: seamless gutter system and sectional gutter system.
- Sectional gutter systems are installed in sections with visible seams.
- Seamless gutter systems are installed with one solid piece of material to create a continuous unit.
While some people choose sectional gutters due to their cheap price tag, they could end up costing you extra costly repairs over time. Even though there is an increased installation cost, seamless gutters offer a higher return investment, decreased risk of debris build-up, and a guaranteed way to increase resale value thanks to their lifespan of 20-30 years.
Since seamless gutters are made from one continuous piece of material, you’re not able to install them on your own. Instead, your skilled contractor will use a specialized machine that seamlessly unrolls your gutter‘s materials around the edge of your property.
2. Choose the Highest-Quality Materials
Deciding which gutter system you’d like to invest in is a major decision. Not only will it impact your expected yearly maintenance, but it will also boost your curb appeal if paired to fit your home’s aesthetic. Choose a corrosion-resistant aluminum gutter to stand up to extreme Minnesota weather.
Color Match Your Gutters to Your Home
Pair your gutters to your home thanks to the impressive color selection available from Advantage Construction. Select something that fits with your home’s color scheme. We recommend matching the color to your roof or trim for a cohesive look. When in doubt, consult your contractor about it.
3. Establish a Yearly Maintenance Plan
You may be wondering why it’s so essential to clean your gutters regularly. That’s because twigs, leaves, dirt, and other debris block the flow of rainwater through your gutter system. Over time, that water will create pressure, especially around joints, and lead to bulging, pooling water, spillovers, and even water seeping under your roof.
In order to maintain a functional gutter system, it’s best to create a gutter maintenance plan by season. Preferably it would be best to have your gutters professionally inspected twice a year – usually once in spring and fall – to remove debris and look for signs of damage. During this inspection, your contractor will not only clean your gutters but will also check for leaks and blocked downspouts. If he does notice signs of damage, he will be able to address them before more severe problems arise.
Now, if you choose to invest in gutter guards, you won’t have to worry about regularly cleaning your gutters again!
4. Utilize Gutter Guards
One major way to cut down on debris build-up in your gutters is to get gutter guards. See some of the problems gutter guards prevent when adequately installed:
- Rodent infestation
- Insect infestation
- Debris build-up
- Rust and corrosion
- Fires
- Flooding
Gutter guards are made from select materials, like PVC, mesh, aluminum, vinyl, and more, so that you can select the best design for your home. Save yourself time and money by protecting your gutter with covers. They are sturdy enough to withstand storms while also protecting against pests, leaves, and other debris. Consider some of the many benefits of gutter covers, such as:
- Sturdy
- Keep debris out
- Water freely flows
- Less maintenance
- Durable
By investing in gutter covers, you’ll reduce the need for repairs and yearly maintenance costs.
5. Reroute Downspouts to Their Prime Position
Don’t forget to check your downspouts! In order to ensure your gutter system works efficiently, you need correctly placed downspouts to help safely disperse the rainwater away from your home. If they aren’t working correctly, you will notice fan-like divots where they end. Those lines indicate that water is building up and working hard to release.
Additionally, even if your gutters are working, you could be unknowingly leading water toward your foundation with downspouts closely positioned to your home. Ideally, they should be a minimum of five feet away from your property’s foundation to prevent water damage. Again, working with an expert can help address these concerns and reroute your system to optimize your gutter’s efficiency.
6. Keep Eye Out For Damage
Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between normal wear and tear and actual problems in your gutter system. Several examples of a compromised gutter system include:
- Lifting shingles
- Stained siding
- Cracks on your gutter
- Overflowing water
- Pests and bird’s nest
While these issues can happen to all gutters, it’s important to catch them as soon as possible. The more proactive you are about identifying damage, the faster you can take care of it.
For example, if you currently have sectional gutters, you could have clogged debris collecting at the seams. This wet mess may not be visible, but it could lead to water spilling over your gutters when it rains. That excess water can lead to compromised structural integrity and moisture where you don’t want it.
Learn how to spot home gutter damage to tackle problems as soon as they arise.
7. Work With the Right Contractor
Now that you’ve decided to maximize your gutter system, it’s time to contact your preferred contractor from Advantage Construction to help. Inadequate gutter systems lead to water damage on your roof, exterior siding, and even throughout the rest of your home, so it’s best to add improvements when possible. See some of the benefits of working with a trusted contractor, including:
- Skilled craftsmanship
- Stress-free installation
- Biannual cleaning
- Gutter care guides
When you work with a contractor, you benefit from their technical application and guidance to get the most out of your gutters.
Your Home Gutter Experts
Protect your home and foundation by properly maintaining your gutter system. By setting up a maintenance plan, investing in a quality gutter system, and establishing a working relationship with a trusted gutter contractor, you will be able to get the most out of your gutter system.
Seek out the experienced gutter installation experts from Advantage Construction today. We specialize in all areas of home improvement, and we want to help you craft a more secure and efficient home. If you need regular maintenance, gutter covers, any assistance cleaning or rerouting downspouts, Advantage Construction is here to help.
Set up your appointment today, and visit our website to learn more about our gutter services.
