Many homes in Arizona are built without gutters due to the low amounts of rainfall in our state.
But the truth is you should consider adding some to your home when you don’t have them.
And if you do have gutters, you need to give them regular maintenance so that they do their job well.
1. Why you need gutters: Gutters direct water away from your house so that it won’t damage walls, windows and doors, your foundation and your landscaping. If you don’t have them, you might at least add them in one or two places where heavy rains can cause problems. For example, a flat roof that has scuppers that drain off water could easily produce minor flooding near doors or on sidewalks.
2. Clean out your gutters regularly: Check to make sure your gutters are clean and remove leaves, twigs or other debris. You’ll need a ladder, of course, a garden trowel and a trash bag to carry away debris. After cleaning, you might want to use a hose to wash out the inside of your gutters.
3. Guard your gutters: You might want to put mesh gutter guards over the openings in the gutters. However, you’ll still have to clean them out regularly.
4. Secure your gutters: If your gutters are starting to sag or get loose, you can use a cordless drill to secure the gutter with screws.
5. Seal any leaks: If joints and seams in your gutters are leaking, check joints and seams for leaks, clean the area thoroughly and apply silicon caulk to seal problem areas. Repainting might also be required.
6. Divert the water: Make sure water coming out of downspouts is diverted away from your home using splash blocks or a downspout extension.
Remember clogged or leaking gutters can often lead to rotten fascia boards and peeling paint.
FAQs
Clean Your Gutters Regularly
A hose will do the trick to clean out your gutters, whereas something with a bit more power, like a plumbing snake or high-pressure water may be needed to dislodge objects like compacted leaves, pine needles and twigs from your downspouts.
Do I need 6 in gutters? ›
6-inch gutters are less likely to get clogged up because they can handle more water flow, and they come with a bigger outlet. If you have a small home with a roof that isn't very steep, 5” gutters will suffice. Otherwise, go for 6” gutters.
What do you know about gutters? ›
A gutter is a pipe or trough along the edge of a roof that carries rainwater away from a building. Another kind of gutter is the indentation beside a street curb. Water flows through these gutters too, usually into a storm drain.
How to maintain your rain gutters? ›
Homeowners should regularly clean their gutters every few months to ensure rainwater can flow freely. Effectively cleaning your gutters means getting on a ladder and using a gutter trowel to scoop the leaves and debris out of the gutters. Once all the debris is out, use a hose to flush the gutters and test water flow.
How often do gutters need maintenance? ›
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters? Speaking in general terms, you should make a point of cleaning your gutters at least twice a year. Depending on what sort of foliage you have near your home (such as pine trees), you may want to clean once every three months.
What is better, aluminum or vinyl gutters? ›
Aluminum gutters are known for their robustness and ability to withstand various weather conditions. They are less likely to warp or crack, making them a more long-lasting option. On the other hand, vinyl gutters may not hold up as well in extreme weather, and they are susceptible to warping in hot climates.
What size gutter is best? ›
While 5-inch gutters are the standard size, some homeowners opt for larger ones. 6-inch gutters are more expensive, but they can handle large amounts of water and are less likely to get clogged.
Should I put gutters all around my house? ›
The short answer is yes. Gutters are necessary to protect most homes' foundations, basem*nts, attics and surrounding landscapes. There are only a few instances when gutters aren't necessary, such as if you live in a dry climate or on a hill.
What I should know about buying gutters? ›
We recommend considering the gutter material, style, size and cost when deciding on the best gutter for your home. You should also decide whether you want to install the gutters yourself or hire a professional. Regardless of which gutter type you choose, you will need to clean your gutters at least twice per year.
Are gutter guards worth it? ›
Gutter guards are a worthwhile investment if your gutters tend to collect debris or attract pests—especially if your area also experiences heavy rain. However, if you live in an arid climate or urban area with no trees nearby, keeping debris out of your gutters may not be a priority.
How Can I Increase Gutter Lifespan and Prevent Deterioration?
- Hire professionals to clean your gutters 2-4 times per year. ...
- Install gutter guards to prevent large debris from clogging downspouts.
- Ensure downspouts are extending 3 - 10 feet from the foundation (at minimum).
Install Gutter Guards
Consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris from entering your gutters in the first place. These screens will only let water into your gutter system and keep out larger items like leaves, reducing the frequency of cleaning and keeping your gutters functioning optimally for longer.
Should you pressure wash gutters? ›
While the force of the water in a pressure washer will get rid of the dirt and debris, too much force can damage your gutters and, if you're not careful, your house. A high PSI will have you prepped to call a professional when your gutter leaks.
How often should I clear my gutters? ›
Ultimately though, most experts agree that you should have your gutters cleaned once or twice a year, around autumn or spring. This comes with a caveat though, as there are other times during the year when you might need this service carried out for you or even do it yourself.
Should gutters be full of water? ›
No—gutters should be designed and properly installed so they are ready to handle any level of rainflow from your roof. If you notice pooling water around your gutters or on the roof, it's imperative that you contact a gutter repair pro near you—the slope of your gutters could be off and need adjusting.
