Gutter Repair and Debris Removal

Importance of Cleaning Gutters

Dayton Contracting is Austin’s top rated roofing and exterior renovation company. We service residential customers with roof replacements of all types, providing extensive repair knowledge and experience, and problem-solving leak investigation and resolution. Our renovation services include skilled and efficient carpentry and rotten wood repair, siding and window replacement, professional painting, stucco repair, and more.

Gutters must be cleaned and maintained to function properly. Rain gutters can get clogged with leaves and other debris over time, especially when trees are near your house, so it’s important to clean your gutters regularly to avoid more serious potential damage to your roof system.

Gutters control the flow of rainwater from the rooflines and ensure roof water is deposited on the ground in the proper locations. The gutter system protects your home’s roof, walls, foundation and landscape from torrential water and erosion that can come from hard rainfalls. If debris builds up in your gutters, it could lead to sagging gutters, mold growth, a leaky roof or water damage to the interior or exterior of your home.

We highly recommend gutter cleaning and debris removal to alleviate these common problems. Gutters filled with debris can also entice rodents such as squirrels to make homes in the roof or gutter areas. Rodent damage to the roof is extremely costly and can in some part be alleviated by cleaning your gutters. Neglecting gutter maintenance can lead to costly repairs down the line.

Gutters need to be cleaned multiple times per year, depending on the level of debris that is deposited in your gutters and if you have trees near your home. Tree leaves in gutters will deposit debris that can decompose and create thick mud that can substantially clog the gutters and downspouts.

Hiring Dayton Contracting to clean your gutters is a great option if you aren’t comfortable on a ladder.

Beware of Improperly Sealed Valleys

Should your Gutters be Replaced, Repaired or Cleaned?

Regular cleaning of the gutters and inspection of your gutters will make the gutter system last longer. Depending on the wear and tear on your gutter system, they will need to be repaired or replaced to help protect your home from water damage. Here are a few signs that will help you determine if your gutters need to be repaired or replaced.

Gutter Replacement due to Cracks or splits

Over time, gutters can degrade and crack or split, allowing water to seep into the fascia boards behind the gutters, the shingles above the gutter and the foundation below. Replace any split or crack sections of gutter. This will reduce the likelihood of a catastrophic roof event.

Gutter Replacement due to Paint damage and rust

The paint on your gutters is weather resistant, however nothing lasts forever and prolonged exposure to the sun and other elements can cause paint to degrade over time. Peeling paint or rust indicates that water is present on the surface on a continuous basis. Look for clogs in the gutter and hire a professional to remove debris from your gutters to get the water flowing. It is recommended to replace or touch up the paint on the damaged section of the gutter.

Roof damage due to Pools of water and mold

If your gutters gave not been cleaned for an extended period of time, it is possible you will see standing water or mildew near the foundation. Mold, mildew, or other forms of water damage can indicate that the gutters are clogged or there could be a defect in the gutter system, which may require gutter cleaning. Hire a professional to find and remove the clog from the gutters. If the problem persists you may want to discuss replacing that section of gutter and downspout.

Roof damage due to water damage or water marks

It is a good best practice to frequently inspect all gutters on your house as well as directly beneath the gutters on a dry, sunny day for any evidence of water damage. Water damage underneath gutters can indicate that they are leaking or overflowing with water. Overflowing gutters can also lear to substantial roof damage. Hire a roofing contractor to look for possible blockages in the area. If there are no blockages to the gutter but the foundation indicates water damage then there is likely a section that has a crack or a leak which will need to be repaired or replaced.

Gutter Replacement due to Sagging gutters

Gutter sag is a definite sign that it’s time to hire a contractor to replace your gutters. Gutters should never sag or pull away from the house as it can lead to substantial roof damage. Sagging gutters means that the gutter system is no longer draining properly and needs to be replaced. Speak with your roofing contractor to explore upgrading your old gutters with gutter guards or screens or with seamless gutters.

Suggestions for How to Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

While we do not recommend you clean your gutters yourself due to safety concerns, if you do not want to hire a roofing contractor, then here are some recommended tips.

• Regular and thorough cleaning helps keep gutters in tip-top shape. Gutter cleaning and debris removal only a few tools and an afternoon to get water flowing from your roof and away from your home.
• Cleaning gutters is best done in early spring will prepare them for the heavy spring and summer rains. In the early fall, clear out leaves and other debris that accumulated during the warmer months.
• When possible, avoid cleaning gutters after a rain as this makes the process more difficult as decomposed leaves can create a thick mud. Allowing the gutters to dry for a days before cleaning your gutters will allow the debris to dry out, making the gutter cleaning and debris removal process much easier.
• Start your gutter cleaning task near the downspout and work toward the closed end.

Process of Debris Removal from the Gutters

When removing debris from your gutters, have two buckets available to make your job easier. Use one bucket for the debris you remove from the gutters and then use the second bucket can hold your tools. Hook the buckets to your ladder for easy access.

• It is always recommended to wear safety glasses to keep bits of dried leaves and other debris out of your eyes.
• Wear rubber gloves under your work gloves if the debris is damp. This will help keep your hands dry while protecting them.
• Always remember to practice ladder safety! Climbing on a ladder on uneven ground can be dangerous!Identify the area with debris and begin cleaning near a downspout.
• Place your ladder squarely on a level ground before you climb it. It is also recommended to have a partner who can hold the ladder and “spot” you.
• Remove and clean the downspout strainer.
• Clear large debris such as leaves and twigs by hand.
• Use a trowel or gutter scoop for compacted debris.

After the debris is removed, Flush the Gutters

After most of the debris is removed from the gutters, the next step is to flush the remaining bits and dirt from the gutter with a garden hose. This will leave a clean surface to reduce the likelihood of additional debris getting caught in the gutter.

• Place a spray nozzle on your garden hose and flush out the gutter with water, starting at the far end and moving toward the downspout.
  Use a strong stream of water and use extra care to avoid spraying underneath the roof shingles or roofing materials.
  Hiring a roofing contractor or using specialty gutter cleaning attachments for your garden hose can make the job easier.
  For maximum power when spraying gutters and downspouts, use a pressure washer.