The majority of homeowners don’t give their gutter systems too much thought. If you didn’t have your house built as new construction, your gutters have just always been there and, in all likelihood, have probably seemed to function perfectly well since you moved in. Gutters are, however, a critical component of a functional residence. If you fail to maintain them properly, structural issues could occur. Not only are these potential problems likely to damage your home long-term, but, if it is even possible to repair them, they are generally very expensive to fix. Therefore, it’s best to simply take care of your gutters now instead of dealing with major issues later.
- Have your gutters inspected regularly – One common form of gutter neglect is merely failing to have your home’s system inspected on a regular basis. The majority of gutter installation companies in the Carolinas offer gutter inspection services. Most professionals recommend having residential gutter systems checked out twice yearly. Generally, it is best to schedule these checks at the end of autumn to clear debris and at the end of summer to make sure the system is prepared for the colder weather and falling leaves ahead. Some homeowners in cold climates also have a third gutter cleaning or inspection at the end of winter.
- Make sure foliage is kept trimmed – Foliage, such as low-hanging branches, that are allowed to grow too close to gutters can cause problems. They can fall into the gutter trenches and ultimately cause blockages. The best way to prevent this is to trim your trees and bushes regularly. If you don’t want to tackle this job yourself, many landscaping companies will handle the task for a reasonable rate. A good rule of thumb is to make sure all branches are a minimum of 15 feet from the edge of your home’s roof.
- Invest in leaf guard products – Leaf guards are available in several different forms, including popular mesh inserts, and are designed to prevent leaves, twigs, and other yard waste from building up in gutters. They are typically quite effective and, in many cases, nearly eliminate the need for frequent gutter cleanings. Before you invest in a leaf guard, you should make sure you read reviews of the model you’re planning to purchase. This way, you can see if it has any known issues.
- Let professionals handle your gutters – Although cleaning your gutters on your own might seem like an easy job, it can actually be quite dangerous. If you fall off a ladder, for instance, you could become badly injured and even wind up with long-term health problems from the incident. Hiring professionals to oversee your home’s gutter maintenance is the best way to make sure everyone stays safe, and your gutters remain in excellent condition.
If you aren’t sure where to find a reputable gutter cleaning company in your area of North Carolina or South Carolina, talk to friends and family members who have lived in your region for a long time. They are sure to have recommendations. You may also want to read online reviews of various service providers to get an idea of how other consumers feel about the options in your city or town.