Because they move water off the roof and away from your house, gutters are a necessary part of your home’s roofing system. Here are four gutter maintenance tips to help guarantee you have the best roofing in Thousand Oaks, CA this spring:
Remove leaves and debris
It’s amazing how quickly your home’s gutters can fill up with fallen leaves and other green debris, even with gutter covers. Nearby trees pose the greatest problem when it comes to year-round gutter blockage, as do trees that hang over your roof. And squirrels, birds and other arboreal creatures constantly shake debris like leaves, twigs and pollen from tree branches, all of which can end up on top the roof and eventually make their way into your gutters. Also scoop out grime—the leftover, crunched and smashed wet tree debris—with gloved hands or a small hand shovel.
Flush out the gutters
Even though you’ve removed leaves and debris from all the gutters, there may still be weather-related buildup around and inside them. You will encounter algae, scum, moist dirt and maybe even mold, as is to be expected when rain does not have a clear path to escape from the gutters. You may also be surprised to find worms or insects. After all, without consistent rainfall, dry leaves in gutters mixed with some moisture creates a mini ecosystem ideal for critters.
To clean, get on a ladder armed with waterproof gloves, a bucket of plain or soapy water, a sponge and a hose. Remove gutter covers and use the hose to spray out the inside tracks. Gutters that are still coated in grime after hosing should be scrubbed a little.
Clean around the gutters
Gutter covers and the outside of your gutters need to be cleaned, too. Take covers down and shake or spray clean. If you’re not using a cleaning rod to reach up, safely stand on a ladder with cloth in hand. Why is it important to clean the outside and underside of gutters? Not only will your home benefit from added curb appeal, but you’ll also be able to better see any damage—like corrosion, cracks or gutters coming loose from siding—and get it repaired.
Check downspouts
Like leaf buildup in your gutters, downspouts are notorious for clogs. And if the downspouts are clogged, then water will pool in your gutters and back up onto your home’s roof. Settled water in between the gutters and the roof can lead to water damage inside your home, including water stains, leaks, rot and mold.
Keep in mind that while newer home constructions are typically fitted with efficient working downspouts, older homes may have downspouts that are curved or too thin for proper water flow; small particles of green debris may end up packed inside them when it rains. Do you have curved downspouts? If so, detach them from the gutter and siding and spray them out with a hose. Others may be sprayed out without detaching them. This is also a good time to check for secure attachment to the siding.
The time to ensure you’re living under the most efficient and best roofing in Thousand Oaks, CA is now—contact Conejo Valley Roofing today for more maintenance tips or to schedule needed services.