We all have household projects and chores that we don’t enjoy and tend to put off for as long as possible. For many of us, cleaning or maintaining the gutters on our homes falls into that category, and for good reason. Cleaning and maintaining gutters can be a hazardous, tiring, and messy job. However, with traditional gutters, delaying maintenance can be dangerous and cause many problems. Gilkey Exterior Solutions explains a few common gutter problems and the solutions for fixing and avoiding them.

Naturally, the most common problem with gutters is debris buildup and clogging. Unfortunately, the main purpose of gutters is to provide a channel for redirecting water away from your home. When they are clogged, your gutters are basically useless. When debris builds up and creates a blockage, the water flowing through your gutters cannot get around the blockage. This means that the water will then spill over, often pouring directly toward the foundation of your home. This can lead to water damage to your home over time. To prevent clogs in your traditional gutters, you need to clean them regularly, or hire someone to regularly clean them. On the other hand, you can choose to replace your gutters with a modern gutter system that keeps your gutters from even getting clogged in the first place.

The next common problem is often related to the first and that is sagging or separating from your roofline. When debris builds up, it adds extra weight to your gutters and places a strain on the points where your gutters attach to your home, affecting the hardware that attaches the gutters. As water floods the gutters and can’t escape due to the clogs, more strain is placed on your gutters. To fix these problems, you’ll have to clear out your gutters and purchase new hangers and fasteners. You might consider installing more hangers and fasteners to leave less spacing for extra support. However, installing a gutter system that prevents clogs and attaches securely can once again prevent the reoccurrence of this issue.

Another common problem that is also related to gutter maintenance is hazardous falls. In order to clean your gutters or repair sagging, you have to climb on a ladder and move slowly and methodically around the house. This is clearly a high-risk situation, as there are multiple instances where something could go wrong. Cleaning and maintaining gutters can be a time-consuming project and the longer you spend on a ladder, the more time there is for an accident to occur. If the ground is uneven, balancing the ladder in the first place can be a difficult task. As you work to clear clogged gutters, you might be moving back and forth, putting strain on the ladder’s positioning. If the ladder is not firmly placed on the ground, your movements could cause the ladder to shift, throwing you off balance and possibly resulting in a fall. With the Exterior Solutions Gutter System that attaches securely and prevents clogs, you won’t need to worry about clearing clogged gutters or fixing sags.

To learn more about how the Exterior Solutions Gutter System could solve your common gutter problems, contact Gilkey Exterior Solutions today! Located in Lexington, Kentucky, we serve Central Kentucky, offering expert installation and high-quality replacement doors, windows, siding, and gutters.