Frederick Jace
We’ve all witnessed it — homes with gutters that are stuffed to the brim with tree leaves, twigs, branches, and who knows what else. Not only are clogged gutters unsightly, but they can also present serious problems for your roof and the rest of your home.
Read on to discover five gutter protection tips to keep your home in top condition (and keep yourself safe in the process).
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Invest In a Sturdy Gutter Protection System
Flimsy gutters will be your home’s worst nightmare. If you’re having your roof replaced, be sure to invest in a sturdy gutter protection system from a reputable company like Paramount Builders.
Your gutter system should be capable of withstanding strong winds and ideally have a corrosion-resistant finish. These features will enable your system to last for the long term.
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Examine Your Surroundings
If you’re planning on cleaning your gutters yourself, you’ll need to examine your surroundings. Take a look around and analyze the situation. Are there heavy branches bending over your roof? What about low-hanging power lines that make it difficult to stand up straight on a ladder?
You should be aware of any objects that can interfere with your work. Professionals recommend staying at least ten feet away from power lines. So, if standing up on a ladder puts you or your tools too close to power lines, you should remain on the ground.
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Adopt a Schedule
How often you need to clean your gutters will depend on where you live. If you live in a dry climate without much foliage, you may only need to clean your gutters once a year. However, if you live in a heavily wooded area, you may need to perform more regular gutter cleaning (as often as four times a year).
If you notice your gutters are becoming dirty, don’t wait until your next scheduled date. Clear them of debris to prevent problems with pooling water. You should especially tend to your gutters after a heavy storm.
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Trim Tree Branches Down
If you have a lot of overgrown tree branches, a good gutter maintenance tip is to trim them down. By doing so, you can prevent excess leaves and twigs from falling into your gutters and clogging them up.
Your gutters may be getting clogged due to neighbors’ overgrown foliage. If this is the case, you can talk with them about trimming their trees to have clean gutters and protect their longevity.
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Wear Protective Gear for Your Hands & Eyes
One of the most important gutter safety tips is to wear protective gear for your hands and eyes. Gloves will protect your hands from bacteria-infested debris, and eye goggles will keep your eyes safe from flying leaves and twigs.
Keeping Up-to-Date With Gutter Protection
Some homeowners may see gutter protection as an inconvenience or another chore they have to scratch off their to-do list. However, it’s an essential task if you want to maintain your gutters’ condition.
Follow these five tips, and you can avoid the hassle of investing in and installing a new system!
Are you searching for additional ways to increase your home’s safety and appearance? Check out our other home improvement articles to discover more tips!
