Taking care of your gutters is one of the least exciting and most annoying chores that a homeowner is responsible for. Not just that, but it is also somewhat hazardous, especially if you are uneasy on ladders.
That doesn’t mean, however, that removing the debris from your gutters is unimportant. Not only does leaving debris in your gutters cause clogs, which cause water to pool or to fall over the sides of your gutters, which can ruin flower beds and bushes, but leaving debris in your gutters can cause damage to your gutter over the long term.
To begin with, leaves left too long in your gutter can cause damage to the gutter. As leaves decompose, not only do they begin to smell terrible, but they also can cause oxidation of the gutter itself. It usually isn’t a quick process, but over time, that rust can damage the gutter and cause water to leak into your home when that gutter overflows.
There are also the more mundane causes of damage to your gutter. Hail, snow, and extreme winds can dent your gutters, or it can knock them off the side of your home entirely. Hail can also damage the gutter, knocking it out of its proper shape or knocking holes in it. Depending on the size of the hail and the velocity with which it moves, you may even find that hail can break off pieces of gutter.
Depending on the kind of gutter you have, it can be made from everything from galvanized metals to various composite materials. The amount of stress and force it can withstand will vary, but no matter what, you must clean and maintain your gutter unless you want to risk having water gushing over the sides of the gutters, and possibly gushing into the house.
The choice to repair or replace your gutters is an important one. If your gutters are falling apart, full of holes, or corroding, replacing them can be a better investment than repairing. However, on the other hand, if your gutters are simply showing signs of minor damage, it can be better for you to spend the money and effort to simply replace a few sections or to repair when appropriate.
If you’re not sure about your gutters, it is always best to hire a professional to take a look. If you’re in need of gutter repairs or replacement, we invite you to contact National Home Improvement today for a free inspection and quote.
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