People usually don’t think much about their roof gutters until they start to leak and cause trouble. It is mainly because of clogged leaves and debris that gutters clog. If you invest even a bit in taking some preventive measures, you will save yourself from facing big problems in the future. Clogged gutters result in roof leakage, which can prove to be a big hassle. One of the common things that clog roof gutters is the leaves. You can keep the leaves out of your roofing gutters with the help of some simple ways. Here are some of them.
Maintain the Gutters
If you want your roof gutters to function properly, they must be kept free of leaves and debris. This means that they must be regularly maintained. The best part of regular gutter maintenance is that it can be done by either the homeowner or can be done by hiring a gutter cleaning company. Most professional gutter cleaning companies emphasize gutter cleaning and maintenance twice a year. But if your house has many trees overhanging or you live in a stormy area, you should clean the gutters more often. Here is how you can clean the gutters:
- Use high-quality leaf blowers or hoses, but wear safety goggles, gas masks, and proper gloves as a precaution. Furthermore, you must ensure that your leaf blower comes with a gutter cleaning kit.
- You can also clean the gutters by hand using a trowel or a gutter shovel. If you want effective cleaning, make sure to start from the bottom near the drain. Then put the debris in a bucket and dispose of it when you’re done. If the leaves are slightly moist, it is best to remove them.
Trim the Branches
Trimming tree branches is probably the first thing house owner do to prevent gutters from getting clogged. This is because trimming branches is considered convenient and cheaper. It involves cutting the overhanging branches, so the leaves fall on the ground rather than on the roofs and gutters. If there is a big tree that has thick branches, removing the branches is beneficial. If you remove the branches by yourself, it will prevent them from falling over and causing serious damage to your home. Unfortunately, despite these advantages, it is not much effective when it comes to gutters. Wind and other factors can cause leaves to enter the gutters. However, it is still a good technique for preventing the leaves from getting into the roofing gutters.
Gutter Guard
The gutter guard is a cover attached to the top of the gutter. Gutter Guard is designed to allow water to pass through without the entry of leaves or debris. To prevent freezing, these guards come in different types and qualities, including meshed, brushed, and nylon. When considering which gutter guard is the right one, consider the mesh or brushed one. If the hole is too big, the leaves will fall off. However, if it is too small, it will clog the shelter every time it rains, causing moisture damage. If you have serious foliage problems, don’t buy any gutter guard you see in the market. Ask an expert which type can be effective depending upon your area.
Installing Curved Gutters
Curved gutters aim to completely cover the gutters with small slits pointing away from the house. The surface tension of water causes rain to fall into this slot, but leaves and debris are mostly kept out. This requires replacing the gutters, which is a costly proposal. Furthermore, it is said to be only effective in areas that receive low rainfall. If you want a curved gutter, it is better to consult your roofing contractor first.
Installing a Leaf Catcher
Leaf catchers are different from gutter guards, and they keep the leaves on the roof level. When you install a leaf catcher, the leaves will pass through the downpipe but will be caught before reaching the ground. Easy installation and minimal maintenance on existing downspouts are the major advantages of having a leaf catcher. Leaves on the catcher can be easily removed by hand, which means that you won’t need a ladder.
Gutter Filter
Filters are a great option to keep leaves and other debris out of the gutter. The filter is made of foam. When placed on a gutter, only water enters, and leaves fall into bubbles which are blown away when the wind blows.
Now that you know how to keep the leaves out of your roofing gutters, follow these ways and keep your gutters in top-notch condition. Keeping the leaves and debris away from your gutters will help you alot in the long run and save you alot of money. So, make sure to follow the tips and techniques shared above.
