3 Gutter Mistakes to Avoid

Installing gutters on your home is one of the best choices you can make. Gutters do more than protect your landscaping from roof run-off, they also protect your roof eaves, siding, and foundation from water damage. This is why you want to make sure that you avoid the following rain gutter mistakes.

#1: Ignoring the pitch and placement

Whether you have brand new gutters or an older system, it's vital that they are placed and pitched properly. You can check this yourself with a garden hose and a bit of observation. Aim the hose at the roof (don't use a high-pressure spray nozzle, you don't want to damage shingles).

As the water runs down the roof it should go straight into the gutters and then flow towards the downspout. If the water goes over the top of the gutters or runs behind them, the placement isn't centered correctly beneath the eaves. If the water just sits in the gutters instead of draining to a downspout, then the pitch is too level. You can adjust the clips that secure the gutters to the eaves to perfect the pitch and placement.

#2: Not checking for leaks

Annual leak inspections need to be a normal part of your spring or fall routine. Even seamless gutters can develop leaks, either where they join to a downspout or from corrosion or damage to the gutter trough itself. Leak checking is fortunately easy. Place a hose in the gutter trough and turn it on to a slow to medium trickle. As the gutter fills, walk along the length and check for leaks. If you find a leak, you have one of two options.

Either dry the gutter thoroughly and patch the spot with silicone sealant, or look into having the gutters replaced. If you opt to fix the gutter, mark leak location with a dry erase marker so you can find them easier once they are dry. The marker simply wipes off.

#3: Allowing gunk to buildup

Depending on your situation, gutter cleaning may be a frequently needed chore. If you have a lot of overhead trees or animals that spend time on your roof, leaves, twigs, and nesting materials can quickly block your gutters. In some areas, moss growth or even blowing dust can build up in gutters. It's vital that you clean out the gunk both in the gutter and that becomes lodged in the downspouts.

You can minimize this necessity by having gutter guards installed. You may still need to sweep stuff off the top of the guards, but the messy and tedious work of scooping out the gutters won't be necessary anymore.

For more help, visit resources like http://northwestraingutters.com.