Six Steps For Seamless Gutters And Effortless Eavestrough
Posted on: 10 July 2015
It is far too easy to overlook the eavestrough of the home, which provides ample opportunity for damage to be done. When something prevents the trough from redirecting water away from the house, stains, leaks, and deterioration will occur. The most prudent approach to prevent water damage from faulty gutters is a timely one, and the longer gutters go untended, the greater the potential for property damage.
Take time to use the following six strategies to maintain the eavestrough of your home:
1. Cleaning
Cleaning out the troughs of your homes gutter system is imperative. If you let debris build up, it can cause a blockage that diverts water over the sides and down the facade of your home. Use a plumbing snake to pull out any debris, and flush the trough several times with a hose.
2. Washing
In the spring, when you power-wash your home's exterior, take time to give the eavestrough a quick wash. Use a little bit of mild dish soap and water to create a flush that can be used on the inside and outside of the eavestrough.
3. Guarding
Prevent the opportunity for trash and leaves to blow into the trough of your home's gutter. Use gutter-guards and make the task even easier. This also curbs the chance of a bird or other critter finding their way into your eavestrough.
4. Securing
Periodically, check the stability of the joints between segments of your eavestrough system. Make sure that segments are securely affixed to one-another, and that they are not loose or wiggly. Keeping seams tight prevents any chance of water seeping through and damaging property below.
5. Replacing
If you have to replace a segment of your eavestrough, always try to use the same holes when replacing hardware to prevent possibility of leaks. Add a couple drops of industrial caulk or epoxy around the hole and fixture to ensure that no water escapes.
6. Diverting
Don't forget to take a look at the down-spout. This is arguably the most important aspect of your home's gutter system as this is where the excess water leaves the eavestrough and is diverted away. Be sure that the spout is facing away from the foundation of your home, and if it is soggy, be sure to use blocks, stone, or other materials to create a dam that will prevent run-off from seeping into your home's basement.
It makes most sense to adjust your spring cleaning schedule to include maintaining the home's eavestrough. This will provide the opportunity to remove leaves, dirt, and debris that could accumulate over the winter, before spring showers come. Prevent the weight and wear on your home's gutters with prompt attention and annual maintenance.
To learn more, contact a company like Eagle Eavestroughing.
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