Keeping Gutters Clean Is Essential to Protect Your Home

Cleaning your gutters is one of the small but critical tasks on your endless list of homeownership responsibilities. Gutters require year-round attention to prevent damage to your home. As homes in Beavercreek take on the weight of autumn's falling leaves, the resultant debris can cause clogs, water backups, and drainage problems.

Proper gutter maintenance is worth the time and effort. Your home is your biggest investment and timely gutter cleaning can help you preserve its value. Our real estate agents offer these tips to help you through the process.

Water Works Hard to Damage Your Home

When clogged gutters don't drain the way they should, rain takes the least resistant path. It flows over the edges and down inner and outer walls. It seeps into the ground and into your basement. It assaults your foundation, causing damage over time. In winter, ice dams force water to back up under your eaves and into your home.

The weight of waterlogged leaves, twigs, and debris can damage your gutters and make your problems worse. Regular cleaning is the best way to prevent these problems.

Tools For the Job

Homeownership comes with its share of challenges. If you'd prefer to skip any challenge that involves climbing up to the roof, perhaps you should forget the DIY fix and call a professional. If you have no problems with heights, grab a sturdy ladder and these additional supplies.

• Gutter scoop - inexpensive sturdy plastic tool to loosen and remove gutter debris
• Small hand rake - if you prefer using a rake to loosen debris
• Gloves - to protect your hands from debris, mildew, and tiny creatures
• Garbage bags- to collect your debris (drop it to the ground if you prefer)
• Water hose - to rinse out and clean gutters

Remove Debris

Once you loosen the debris, it won't take long to remove. If you're using a scoop, you can loosen and scoop it out in a single step. If you use a small rake, loosen the debris then remove it with your gloved hand. Place debris in trash bags (or drop it to the ground).

Also, check your downspouts to make sure they're not clogged. When you've removed all the visible leaves, twigs, and debris, spray the gutters with your hose to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

Be careful. Don't lean too far while attempting to clean an area that's just out of reach. You could lose your balance. For safety's sake, move your ladder over and clean one gutter section at a time.

Check for Gutter Damage

Inspect your gutters for rusted areas, separated sections, worn sealant, loose screws, hangers, holes, and other signs of wear and tear. You can purchase the parts and materials you need to repair them. If damage and deterioration are too far gone, consider having your gutters replaced.

Your final cleaning step with a water hose presents a second opportunity to find damage. As you spray, watch where the water goes. It will exit through any available holes, separations or other areas of disrepair, instead of flowing toward the downspout.

Inspect and Clean Your Gutters Regularly

Like many home ownership tasks, gutter cleaning is important preventive maintenance. You should clean your gutters at least twice a year and inspect them if a major storm blows through. Damaging winds and wind-driven debris can cause unanticipated problems.

Your Real Estate Professionals

When you have questions about owning a home in Beavercreek, we have the answers you need. Contact Wright-Patt Realty to buy and sell homes in our local Greene County area.