Maintaining and repairing gutters: Essential tips for autumn care

Steel and PVC gutters often do not catch our attention after installation. This is a mistake because they need regular maintenance to function properly. Fortunately, this is not difficult.

Autumn is the time when falling leaves from trees can cause significant problems with the gutter system. Leaves, branches, and other debris accumulating in the gutters can block the flow of water, leading to damage and leaks in the long term. Therefore, it is worth regularly checking and cleaning the gutters, especially during the autumn season, to avoid unpleasant surprises. In this article, you will learn how to properly care for the gutters to make them effective and durable, especially during heavy rainfall.

The most crucial aspect of gutter maintenance is cleaning them. This should be done regularly, especially in the autumn, when most leaves fall into the gutters. Throughout the year, other debris, such as sand, dust, or moss, can also collect there.

It is essential to be cautious during cleaning. Aggressive methods can scratch or damage the gutters and disturb their mounts. The risk of damage is higher in older constructions.

Gutter maintenance is simple and may be limited to checking their tightness in the first years of use. It is worth occasionally flooding the gutters with water from a garden hose and observing whether the water leaks through any possible gaps.

Improper gutter slopes, resulting from incorrect installation or mechanical damage, can also be problematic. For example, hitting the gutter with a football during play can change its slope. If water does not drain correctly, it can accumulate in one place, leading to overflow and damage to the facade.

Repairing gutters is not complicated. To fix the gutter slope, you need to level it manually on the mounts. In the case of mechanical damage, you must seal the leaks using products available in hardware stores, such as bitumen, rubber, or silicone. Before use, it is worth reading the manufacturer's instructions to avoid mistakes.

Particular attention should be paid to any scratches in steel gutters, as they can lead to corrosion. To prevent this, the surface should be cleaned and protected with the appropriate rust-proof paint.