Most people do not think about home gutter maintenance until some type of problem occurs. As a result, rotting gutter boards (fascia), rotting soffit, mold infiltration, etc will run a muck unless steps are taken to correct the problem.
Obviously, overflowing from sagging and clogged gutters can cause damage to the fascia and soffit of your home. Indeed to prevent this from happening, it is very important to keep your gutters clean and properly maintained.
A part of cleaning gutters includes repairing downspouts. Do not assume the downspouts are clear of leaves and debris. If possible, run hose water through the downspout checking for stoppages. Lastly, make sure joints fit together properly.
The simplest thing to do is clean your gutters. Specifically check gutters regularly to make sure they are clean and remove any leaves or debris.
Equally important, make sure to repair sagging or loose gutters. Re-nail gutter spikes or consider adding inside gutter hanger straps that utilize screws, using a cordless drill to fasten. Clearly gutter hanger straps hold much better and are less likely to work their way out.
In addition, use a hose to check the joints and seams for leaks. For example, to repair a leaking joint, clean the area thoroughly. Old adhesive may have to be scrapped out and a wire brush used to get as much old gunk removed. Next make sure the joint is dry. Once dry, apply a quality gutter seam sealant. DO NOT use silicone caulk to seal it! For gutter repair, silicone caulk is an inferior product.
Finally, check to see that the water coming out of downspouts is diverted away from your home using a downspout extension, splash blocks or yard pop up pipe. Get that water as far as possible way from your foundation. Moreover, many municipalities have regulations as to how far water should be diverted from the foundation of your home.
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