We’d like to add to this famous phrase. Nothing is certain except death, taxes and the need to regularly clean your gutters. The good news is that with the right tools and strategies, cleaning your gutters may be less tedious than you would imagine.
Your property inspiration
Gutters are a part of every home and they play an important role in your home’s water management. The current owner of this stunning home on the market in Izinga Estate, Umhlanga, shared some of his top gutter-cleaning strategies. He explained that it all starts with having the right tools for the job. “Choose a sturdy ladder and bring a bucket of tools,” he told Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty. “Make sure you’re scooping the right way and optimise the power blower or high-power hose.” He also advised getting gutter guards, which go over your gutters and serve to help keep excess debris out.
Top seven strategies for keeping your gutters in great condition
Maintaining your gutters is essential for preventing water damage to your home and preserving its structural integrity. Here are seven top strategies for keeping your gutters in great condition.
Clean your gutters regularly
Regularly clean your gutters and remove leaves, debris and any other obstructions. Check and clean them at least twice a year, ideally in spring and autumn. If you have overhanging trees, you may need to clean your gutters more frequently.
Install gutter guards
As previously mentioned, gutter guards can prevent larger debris from entering your gutters. By doing so, they allow water to flow freely while blocking solid material. Having gutter guards may mean that you need to clean your gutter less frequently than you otherwise would.
Inspect and repair
Inspect your gutters regularly to identify any signs of damage, such as sagging, leaks or rust. If you discover any issues, make repairing them a priority so as to prevent further damage. Pay particular attention to joints, seams and downspouts.
Trim overhanging branches
Trim branches that hang over your roof regularly. This will minimise the amount of debris falling into your gutters. It will also help to prevent damage to your roof and gutters during storms.
Ensure that your gutters are levelled correctly
Make sure that the water landing in your gutters is able to flow freely toward the downspouts. This ensures that water doesn’t pool in your gutters, reducing the risk of damage and build-ups of debris.
Check for clogs in downspouts
Once your gutters have caught water, the water needs to be able to freely move through your downspouts. Consider using a plumbing snake or high-pressure hose to keep your downspouts free of debris.
Maintain the surrounding landscape
Pay attention to the landscape around your home. Make sure that the ground slopes away from your foundations to prevent water from pooling around the base. This helps ensure efficient drainage and minimises the risk of water damage to your home.
Your home should inspire you
The time you get to spend in your home with loved ones is precious — and it shouldn’t be spent unnecessarily on chores like cleaning gutters. That’s why preventative maintenance and regular upkeep are so important. If you’re looking for a home that’s as low-maintenance as it is sophisticated, then get in touch with the team from Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty.
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