How to Keep Your Gutters from Falling Apart

How to Keep Your Gutters from Falling Apart
If there’s one thing that can take away from the attractiveness of your home more than an unkempt lawn, it’s your
gutters. When they start to sag and fall apart, your home’s curb appeal goes down the tubes. Fortunately, the tips below
will help you keep your gutters intact for many years to come.
#1 – Keep Them Clean
The number one thing you can do to keep your gutters in pristine condition is keep them clean. You should clean your
gutters at least once per year, but more often if your home is situated beneath several trees or in an area where storms
regularly carry debris through the wind. This alone can extend the life of your gutters by several years; after all, a
clogged or sagging gutter significantly shortens its lifespan.
#2 – Consider Seamless Gutters
Although traditional gutters have been mainstream for decades, there is evidence to suggest that the seams in gutters
are actually areas of weakness. In certain climates where temperatures can be below freezing one moment and
relatively warm the next, the materials can weaken – especially at the seams – and cause leaks or other problems. For
this reason, if you live in an area where the climate reaches both extremes, seamless gutters are often a better choice.
They won’t fall apart as quickly as traditional gutters.
#3 – Install Them Properly
Another way to keep your gutters from falling apart is to install them properly. You’ll need to make sure that you have
your gutter secured to your home correctly and at the right intervals to help hold up the weight of the water that can
flow through them. During a downpour, the weight can become tremendous, and failing to have enough support can
cause your gutters to fall away from your home.
#4 – Buy the Right Materials for Your Climate
If you live in a location where the temperature goes from hot to cold, then you’ll want a gutter made from a very
durable material. Aluminum, steel, and copper are all great choices, but remember to coat them with products designed

to keep rust and corrosion at bay. All metal gutters will begin to rust and/or corrode with time, but when you choose the
right materials and coatings, you can prevent it.
#5 – Inspect Them Regularly
Prevention is always the best medicine when it comes to extending the life of your gutters. For that reason, you will
want to make sure that you’re inspecting your gutters closely each and every time you clean them. Look for rust and
corrosion, inspect the seams to make sure there are no cracks, and use a level to make sure that the slope is accurate
season after season. All of these things can affect the amount of force that debris and water puts on your gutter system
over time.
Keeping your gutters from falling apart is not an impossible task, but it does require some basic gutter maintenance. If
you’re unsure of your gutter installation, keep in mind that there are professionals in the area who can help you make
certain that your gutters are properly installed and in good working condition.