When gutters are installed on your home, like any other product, they do require routine maintenance to make sure that they perform properly for the expected longevity of the new gutter system. Gutter systems should be routinely maintained approximately every three years. There is a difference, however, between a gutter tune-up and a gutter cleaning. A gutter tune-up consists of resealing all the miters, outlets and endcaps, as well re-securing any gutter that may come loose. A gutter cleaning is removing and cleaning any debris that has gathered in the gutters and downspouts overtime. Gutter systems should be cleaned and inspected a minimum of twice a year, once during the spring and once after the leaves have fallen.
Reasons Why to Maintain Your Gutter Systems.
- Aluminum is a conductor.
- Aluminum expands and contracts during the drastic changes of our weathers elements.
- Expansion and contraction will cause miters to separate.
- If the gutters currently have spikes, because of expansion and contraction, spikes will begin to shift and pull from the fascia.
- Sealant used to seal endcaps, outlets and miters may begin to fail after a few years which may allow leaks to develop.
- Even though sealants come with a warranty, the warranty only states “free of defect”.
- When a gutter system becomes clogged, this may lead to water overflow, therefore creating more severe long term issues such as a rotting wood and foundation deterioration.
- Clogged downspouts can lead to added weight in the gutter from the standing water, which may begin to pull the gutter system away from the fascia board. This can lead to more damaging issue in the winter time, if ice damming was to occur.
