It’s easy to see why summer is everyone’s favorite season. Backyard barbeques, family vacations, afternoons spent lounging around the swimming pool, and of course–home improvement projects. Now that last one may not be something many people actually look forward to, but home improvement projects are a necessary part of every homeowner’s summer. And one of the most important chores on any homeowner’s list is taking care of your rain gutters. So here are some gutter tips and tricks for summer.
Gutter Tips and Tricks for Summer from Your Utah Gutter Experts
Clean the Gutters
This one is kind of a no-brainer. If your gutter is clogged with leaves and dirt and other debris, rainwater is not going to flow through it. Not only that, but in the spring and summer, you might even get some plant life growing in your gutters. To avoid this, you’ll need to get out the ladder and scoop those gutters clean. We recommend using a plastic spatula. It’s also a good idea to lay some tarp on the ground for all of the crud you scoop out. That way you won’t need to add “cleaning up the yard” to your list of chores.
And hey, if cleaning out your gutters is something you want to avoid entirely, consider getting a leaf guard (or gutter guard).
Do an Inspection
After the gutters are cleaned, take a close look at them. Make sure they aren’t sagging in places or growing rusty. If either of these things is happening, there’s a good chance the water isn’t flowing properly or you have some leaks. To know for sure, get out the garden hose and equip a pressure nozzle to it. Then flush out the entire gutter system with water. Make sure the water flows like it is supposed to and look carefully for any leaks.
If you see any problems, don’t panic. More often than not it’s an easy fix. You can replace those parts that are having problems without having to replace the entire system. If you aren’t the handy type, call a pro to take a look at everything for you and give you an estimate.
Downspouts and Drainage Systems
Even if the rest of your gutter system is working perfectly, a lot can go wrong if your downspout isn’t doing its job. Without the downspout, all of that rainwater will wind up soaking into the ground and damaging your foundation. The elbow joints leading to the downspouts are especially prone to clogs, so check them first. You should also make sure everything is connected properly. Downspouts get moved around a lot when completing other chores, like scooping snow off the sidewalk or mowing the lawn. If you find your downspout isn’t getting reconnected like it should when moved, consider installing a hinge on it.
My final entry on this list of gutter tips and tricks for summer doesn’t actually involve your gutter, it involves the drainage system your downspout channels water into. Once again you’ll want to get out the garden hose and make sure the water is flowing underground and away from your home like it is supposed to. If there is a clog, you’ll want to get the problem resolved as quickly as possible. There are very few home repairs that are costlier to fix than water damage.
Call a Pro
Right now is a wonderful time to get your rain gutters cleaned, installed, or repaired. We can also take a look at your siding and install leaf guards. Our experienced staff is always here to answer any questions you might have. Please give us a call at (801) 676-1048 or fill out our secure online contact form and get your free bid today!