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Fall has arrived and with it the onslaught of leaves, pinecones, mud and other debris threatening to fill up gutters and downspouts, which will inevitably affect how well rainwater moves around buildings.
If your gutter system is clogged, it can cause water damage to your building's roof, walls and foundation. Keeping your gutters and downspouts clear and in good condition is important not only because of probable damage but because most home insurance policies exclude damage to your home caused by wear and tear or lack of preventative maintenance.
Prevent water damage from destroying your property with these simple tips:
Be prepared
If you own a property that requires gutter and downspout maintenance on a regular basis either make sure you have a company that you can hire on a regular basis or make sure you have the supplies you need on hand. This includes having a ladder, gloves, a gutter scoop, a hose, and a sturdy plastic bucket with a handle.
Clear gutters
Clear debris that’s closest to the downspout first. Then work your way towards the closed end of the attached gutter. Remove large debris like leaves and sticks by hand and put them in the bucket and use a gutter scoop to remove any difficult hard remnants.
Use the hose to wash the gutter. Move in the opposite direction, from the closed end towards the downspout.
Clear downspouts
Turn on your hose and let it run through each of your downspouts. If water flows steadily out through the bottom, the downspout is clear. If less water comes out than you spray in, there is a clog. If there is a clog, remove the bottom of the downspout and push your hose up the downspout as far as you can. Turn the water on full to clear the clog.
You can also take this opportunity to watch for leaks around the gutter seams. If you see any leaks, you can easily repair the cracks or holes using a gutter sealant.
Whether due to severe weather or something else, water damage happens. For more information on what your home insurance policy covers in terms of water damage, contact your OTC Insurance broker today.
Sources
https://www.economical.com/en/blog/economical-blog/april-2021/how-to-clean-gutters-and-downspouts
