As a homeowner, you might not spend all that much time thinking about gutter installation, maintenance, and cleaning — but you probably should. Gutter issues are structural issues and can even cause molding and similar water-damaging problems in your basement and throughout the rest of your home.
Properly tending to your gutters isn’t as easy as it sounds, either. There are so many things you need to be aware of because a few incorrect moves and you’ll end up spending a significant amount of money on maintenance and repair work.
Here are some common gutter installation, cleaning, and maintenance mistakes that homeowners should avoid at all costs:
- Installing gutters with an incorrect pitch — Miscalculating the pitch can lead to serious foundational damages over time, which is why it’s recommended to work with professional gutter replacement and installation services, as well as gutter cleaning services. These professionals can help ensure that the pitch is installed correctly and not too level in order to mess up water flow.
- Not adding enough downspouts or correctly placing them — In order to increase the capacity of your home’s gutter system, you need to add more downspouts. It’s recommended to add another downspout for about every 30 to 40 linear feet of your gutter.
- Hugging the edge of the roof — Gutters should be placed alongside the roofline, but not directly on top of it. They need space so they can perform properly. Positioning them a few inches below the roof overhang ensure that runoff water will evenly flow into the gutter and head towards the downspouts without spilling over.
- Working without a net — Any time you go onto your roof, for whatever reason, you need to ensure you’re being as safe as possible. Netting can help protect you from serious fall damage. Give a neighbor or family member a shout before you begin your rooftop work, too, so someone is aware you’re on the roof.
If you want to learn more about properly tending to your gutters or are considering hiring a professional gutter cleaning company for gutter installation, replacement, and cleaning services — give Gutter Maid a call right away.