Overflowing or slow-to-drain gutters are among the most frustrating issues faced by homeowners. They can cause messes and damage your property, and sometimes it can seem like there’s no solution to the problem. Fortunately, professional gutter cleaning and maintenance can mitigate these issues. Here are some of the best practices for keeping your gutters running freely.

How to Maintain Functioning Gutters

1. Regular Gutter Cleaning

One of the best ways to keep your gutters in top shape is also one of the easiest. Have a professional check your gutters for leaks, loose seals or joints, or blockages like branches or birds’ nests twice a year. This should be enough to make sure they don’t get clogged and overflow. 

2. Disconnect Downspouts

Rainwater often picks up pollutants like motor oil, household chemicals, and weed killer as it drains. By disconnecting your downspout, the pipe that carries water to the drain, you can redirect runoff to your lawn or your garden. This eases pressure on the gutters and improves your lawn’s health while reducing pollution in the local sewer system.

3. Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are protective additions that filter out debris while allowing water to pass through. Not only do they reduce the risk of clogging, but they also make gutter cleaning much easier by eliminating the bulk of the waste found in gutters.

4. Check Gutter Tilt

If your gutters are clean and clear, but water still isn’t draining properly, it’s worth checking their position. Gutters should always be at a slight angle to allow gravity to carry water off.

A professional can check the tilt by laying a level along your gutters. If they’re too flat, water might not drain quickly enough or it can back up and spill outside of the drain. If this is the case, they’ll make a simple adjustment to the tilt.

For expert gutter cleaning services, contact Borden Seamless Guttering & Siding in Cookeville, TN. They’ve been providing exceptional gutter solutions to Putnam County and the Upper Cumberland River region since 1976. Their knowledgeable team performs a wide range of services, including gutter replacement and siding installation and repair. To learn more, visit them online or call (931) 528-2816.