When it comes to home maintenance, many people overlook their gutters. However, gutter maintenance protects your home and surrounding property from serious damage. How you clean your gutters can have a big impact on the environment.
When homeowners purchase a home, they assume many responsibilities, including gutter maintenance. Clean gutters protect your home from water damage, roof rot, and pest infestation. For example, birds and wasps May build nests using accumulated debrisMosquitoes, on the other hand, can lay eggs in standing water. Maintaining your gutters can also prevent backflow water from destroying your landscape by washing away mulch, plants, and soil.
Learn about your gutter maintenance options
Experts Recommend to Homeowners Clean gutters twice a yearpreferably in spring and autumn. This includes removing leaves, branches, and other obstructions. However, if you have an overhanging tree in your yard, you may need to clean it more often. Of course, there is a right way to stay clean while protecting the environment. Here are seven ways you can sustainably and effectively maintain your gutters.
Installing gutter guards
Installing a gutter guard will keep your roof gutters clear of pine needles, leaves, branches, and other natural debris, allowing water to flow more easily. As a result, there is also less chance of ice dam formation and pest infestation.
There are several gutter guards to choose from, including steel mesh, screens, bristle brushes, and hoods. The appropriate type of guard should be determined based on the climate, gutter size, and most common debris. For example, if you live in an area with heavy rain or snow, you will need a stronger guard, while mesh is better for small particles.
trim tree branches
Tall, lush trees are ideal for increasing curb appeal and providing habitat for native species. However, overhangs can make gutter maintenance very difficult. When trees drop branches and leaves into your gutters, they can cause serious water blockages and cause significant damage to your home.
By removing trees, you can avoid the buildup of natural debris and prevent your roof from deteriorating during inclement weather. It is best to prune the tree Between November and March when they are dormant.
remove trash manually
There are many ways to remove debris from gutters, but the most environmentally friendly method is to do it manually. This reduces water consumption and the need for potentially dangerous chemicals from power washing.
Always wear gloves to avoid cutting your hands or infecting yourself with sharp fallen leaves. A plastic scoop designed for gutters makes it easy to remove buildup.
Of course, cleaning your gutters manually is only possible if you are capable and stable enough to stand on a ladder. Otherwise, have someone else do it for you.
roof maintenance
Addressing roof issues is critical to gutter maintenance, especially since shingle granules and other debris can build up and cause blockages. your roof Under 5 years oldyou can usually avoid the problem by checking it yourself. Step away from your home and look for loose or missing shingles.
If your roof is old, experts recommend repairing it. Roofs are inspected twice a year Have your car inspected by a professional after severe weather events such as snowstorms, tropical storms, and tornadoes. Preventing potential problems before they occur will keep your gutters working effectively and extend the life of your roof.
use sustainable detergents
Synthetic detergents can seep into backyards and cause ecological damage to local wildlife and the natural environment. If you must use a cleaner for your gutters, make sure it is plant-based or non-toxic.
sustainable detergent Must not contain phosphates and chlorineRainwater runoff can pollute waterways. Fortunately, these non-toxic cleaners are just as effective at removing debris and dirt from your gutters as traditional cleaners.
compost debris
Use the leaves collected from the gutters to make compost. This helps reduce waste and provides additional nutrients to the soil. The substance can then be used in flower beds in the garden to grow healthier plants and flowers.
There are several reasons to use compost in your garden. Moisture control is improved and nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur are produced when the leaves decompose. This is essential for optimal plant growth. That too fight pests and plant diseases By creating habitat for essential soil organisms.
collect rainwater
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average household consumes over 300 gallons of water every day. Nearly 30% are used outdoors, but that number can be even higher in dry, hot regions. Rainwater collection barrels can reduce the impact on outdoor watering.
Maintaining clean gutters allows water to flow more freely into rainwater collection containers. You can reduce your home’s water usage by using the collected water to irrigate your lawn and garden, wash your property’s walkways and driveways, and do household chores.
Owning a home comes with responsibilities
Gutter maintenance should always be a priority to protect your home and property. However, adopting sustainable practices will strengthen your efforts to reduce your environmental footprint. Prevent gutter problems before they occur and avoid costly damage.
About the author
Rose Morrison is the Editor-in-Chief renewed magazine. She has over 6 years of experience writing about sustainability, circular economy and better buildings. When she’s not writing for various reputable publications or advocating for environmental awareness, Rose loves spending time outdoors with her pets.
