The joy of owning a new home is usually short-lived when structural defects exist in any part of your house. When it comes to your roof, ensuring that you have all elements properly installed is crucial. Part of the roofing elements that deserve your attention is the gutter.
Your gutter serves as the water collector and channel through which water flows away safely from your roof. As a new homeowner, your ability to ensure that your gutter is well taken care of will go a long way to elongating the lifespan of your roof.
Therefore, in this piece, our residential roofing experts will take you through a new homeowner's gutter care guide.
Gutter Care Tips for New Homeowners
As a new homeowner, there are gutter care tips that, when applied, will ensure the integrity of your gutter. They are highlighted below.
1. Clean Your Gutters Regularly
Your gutter is designed to serve as a water passage from your roof. However, there are times when debris and other particles collect in the gutter, making it difficult for the safe passage of water. When this happens, water begins to overflow from the gutter, damaging other parts of your roof. To avoid this situation, ensure that you clean your gutter at least twice a year for the best performance.
2. Create a Gutter Maintenance and Repairs Schedule
Gutters are used to move water away from your house from the roof. If a gutter becomes clogged or broken, it will be unable to function properly, and you may suffer more damage. It's a good idea to inspect your gutters regularly to see whether they need to be repaired.
In addition, a clogged gutter system might cause water damage to your home's exterior and inside. So, it's advisable to work with a roofing contractor who can schedule time to inspect your roof.
3. Install a Gutter Guard
If you're worried about twigs, leaves, or other debris getting into your gutters between cleanings, consider installing a gutter protection system. While it doesn't eliminate the need for regular cleanings, it does assist in minimizing the mess that can lead to a blockage.
The ideal option is to get one that fits well in the gutter while allowing water to flow freely. A gutter guard is essential if your gutters are beneath or near trees in your yard.
4. Eradicate Rodents and Pests
It's possible that twigs and leaves aren't the only things that might clog your gutters. Small animals and bugs may choose your gutter system as a home, seeking refuge and constructing nests. This is a dangerous situation for your home. Birds, and squirrels, for example, are common animals that can construct nests and start reproducing in your gutter, resulting in a pest problem.
So, when you hear chirps from birds or other screeching sounds from your roof, check to be sure that no pest or rodent has made a home out of your gutter.
Work With a Trusted Roofing Contractor in the Twin Cities
The best way to detect and solve gutter problems on your roof is through roof inspection. At J&J Roofing, we have trained roof installers who can check your residential roofing system and provide the best maintenance for you.
You can reach us at 586-445-6455 or by filling out our contact form.