Aspenmark Blog When Should You Replace Your Gutter?

As a homeowner, you probably like to keep track of everything on your property that needs maintenance. This includes regularly changing the air filters, ensuring that the water heater is set to a temperature that will serve your needs, and providing annual roof maintenance.Something else that needs to stay in good shape to protect your home's structure is the gutters. The gutter's job is to divert water from pooling on your roof, in effect serving as the first line of defense against staining, leaks, water damage, mold growth, and structural damage. However, simply having gutters is not enough. In order to keep your gutters working properly, you need to provide them with regular maintenance (hint: just like your roof!)Gutter MaintenanceProperly installed gutters don't have any gaps and descend towards your home's downspouts. In addition, downspouts should be between three to five feet away from the base of your home.Ok, now that you know how to ensure they are properly installed, you also have to make sure they are properly cleaned. Any type of debris, such as leaves, dirt, branches, pine cones, etc... will block the flow of water. Therefore, we recommend you clean them twice a year (at the beginning of every spring and fall).How to Clean Gutters in 5 StepsTo do so, follow these steps:Step 1. Remove large debris with gloved hands or trowel.Step 2. Remove the smaller particles with a hose, starting on the opposite end of the downspout.Step 3. To make the work easier, you can also use a gutter cleaning attachment to remove the smaller particles, such as dead insects, dirt, and bird droppings.Step 4. Clean the downspout by using full water pressure from a hose.Step 5. If the downspout is clogged, use a plumber's snake to clear it.How to Know if you Need to Replace your GuttersThe lifespan of rain gutters will vary, depending on factors such as how often you provided them with maintenance and the weather conditions in your area. A good timeframe to replace them is if they're 20 years old or older. To know for sure, pay attention to the following signs that it's time to replace them:Standing water in your guttersWater LeaksCracks along the foundation of your homeRust stains along the guttersRusted guttersGaps between gutter panelsMold along your home's baseSagging guttersDented, bent, or cracked guttersWhat is Concealed Gutter Replacement?Concealed gutters are lined parallel to the edge of a home's roof, then lined with the same roofing material as the rest of the roof so that you can't actually see them unless you're standing on your home's roof. Since they are part of the roof's structure instead of hanging from the edges of the roofline, they are a perfect alternative for people who own historical homes who would like to preserve the original architecture.Another benefit of concealed gutters is that they are wider than traditional gutters, which makes them less susceptible to clogs.Get a Free Quote Today!Preserve your home's structural integrity and save money long-term by letting us help you with regular roof maintenance.At Aspenmark Roofing and Solar, we've been proudly serving the Dallas/Fort Worth area for over 13 years. Let us inspect your home and conduct a comprehensive gutter assessment.Call 214-823-7663 or contact us online to request a quote today!