Preventative Maintenance is key!
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Somewhere between repairs and maintenance, there is a space we like to call "Preventative Maintenance."
This is a special type of attention you give your gutters and home to conduct basic maintenance and cleaning with PREVENTS future problems. Generally, preventative maintenance consists of low-cost, simple steps that can save time, money, and headaches down the road. We'll take care of these things when we're out, but if you opt to complete work yourself, consider adding these easy tasks to your list to extend the life of your gutters, and avoid potential issues. |
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Inspect your Hardware Good news here is that this step is free - and easy. Simply walk around your property, and inspect gutters, downspouts, and any associated hardware. Is it installed correctly, and functioning? Was it moved accidentally during lawn-mowing? Are all downspouts attached to their gutters, extensions attached to their downspouts, and rodent guards properly placed? Is there good run-off in the appropriate direction? None of this costs anything, but simply requires a walk-around when you have the time. If you find issues, fix them right away. Install Downspout Extensions. We love downspout extensions because they are an inexpensive way to move water further away from the base or foundation of your property. Just draining water off the roof isn't enough. Water must be moved away from your house or brick / cement foundation so it doesn't cause issues like flooding or cracking. Order a few online, or pick them up at your local hardware store. You can bury them underground (although this isn't required) or just put gravel or mulch on top. Like the corrugated look? Leave them as is. They'll work either way. Extensions come in all colors, designs, and sizes, so pick the one that's best for you. Rodent Guards Another inexpensive, and ingenious piece of equipment. The Rodent Guard is a basic grate that attaches to the end of your extension, or downspout. They perform one simple function; keeping small rodents, squirrels, mice, etc out of your downspouts. Why is this an issue? Should a rodent manage to get into your downspout (looking for food, or a place to sleep or hide) they could become trapped, and create a clog. Should said rodent die while inside the downspout, they may become lodged inside, creating an immediate issue. Avoid this entirely with a few inexpensive rodent guards. Pick them up at your local hardware store. Installation is a breeze. Splash Guards Once again, splash guards are an incredibly easy, and inexpensive way of ensuring water is moved away from your foundation. Just purchase one or two for each downspout exit, and orient them to move water away from your foundation. They come via the internet, or from your local hardware store, and don't cost but a few dollars. Do ensure they are properly placed, and do check them periodically (as they tend to move). Downspout Guard Here is another simple, low-cost fix. The downspout guard fits into your gutter (atop your home or structure) and keeps leaves, twigs, and debris in your gutters from entering the downspout. Typically mesh, these guards only cost a few dollars, but are easily placed in position, and (unless bumped or hit) will remain in place. We highly recommend them. Ensure no Contact These are easy. Get out, and walk around your home. Look for issues. Ensure that nothing is touching your gutters, including debris, powerlines, trees, etc. If trees or shrubs are touching your gutters, this can lead to quick clogs, or worse. Some simple tree care and tree maintenance can help solve these problems a lot. Luckily, these tasks are easy to complete - or you can hire a company to assist you. |
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