Gutter guards are a fantastic investment for homeowners looking to protect their gutters and roofing from debris, clogs, and overflow. While gutter guards reduce maintenance, they’re not a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Periodic care will keep them effective, ensuring your home is safe from water damage, mould growth, and pest invasions. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to maintain gutter guards so you can enjoy peace of mind, especially during stormy seasons.
1. Inspect Your Gutter Guards Once a Year
A annual inspection is key to spotting any issues early. Check your gutters for visible debris like dirt and pollen. Spring is ideal to clear out pollen, blossoms, and any other debris, this can be done with the garden hose through the mesh or a blower.
Pro Tip: The more frequent you maintain your gutters the easier the debris will be to clean.
2. Clear Any Debris on Top of the Guards
Gutter guards do a great job of keeping debris out, debris can still gather on top of them. Use a soft brush or leaf blower to clear off any materials that may be sitting on top of the guards, such as leaves, twigs, or dirt.
Note: Avoid using sharp tools that might puncture or tear the guard material.
3. Rinse the Guards with Water
Once you’ve removed surface debris, rinse the guards to ensure they’re free of any trapped particles. This can be done with a garden hose using moderate water pressure to avoid dislodging the guards or damaging the mesh. Start at one end of the gutter and move along the entire length for a thorough clean.
Tip: Use a sprayer attachment to help reach awkward angles and corners.
4. Tighten Loose Fasteners and Screws
Wind, rain, and debris can occasionally loosen the fasteners holding your gutter guards in place. Check all screws, clips, and brackets during each inspection and tighten anything that’s loose. This step will prolong the life of your guards and prevent sections from detaching during heavy winds.
5. Look Out for Damage from Pests
Pests like birds, rodents, and insects may attempt to nest near or inside gutter systems. Inspect for signs of animal activity, such as nests, gnawed sections, or chewed guards. If you notice any issues, contact pest control or install additional deterrents to discourage animals from damaging the gutter guards.
8. Schedule a Professional Maintenace clean
While DIY maintenance is excellent for ongoing care, hiring a professional gutter cleaner can be a great option for people unable to do the work themselves. Professionals can check for underlying gutter damage, mould, and hard-to-detect debris, providing peace of mind and extending the life of your gutter guards.
Conclusion
Proper gutter guard maintenance requires a small amount of time but offers significant rewards. By keeping your gutter guards in good shape, you’re not only protecting your home from potential water damage but also ensuring the longevity of your roofing and foundation. A little care goes a long way, so follow these tips and enjoy the benefits of a smoothly functioning gutter system year-round!
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