Top 4 Ways to Make Your Gutters Last 20 Years

Gutters are an important part of how your home works. From rainwater to snow to leafs, the gutter system on your home removes the water and the gunk from your roof and disposes of it properly. However, this system will not last if it is not taken care of properly. Rust, mildew and mold are just some of the factors that can affect the way that your system removes the water and debris from your roof. Here are the top 4 ways to make your system last 20 years.

The downspouts on your system are an important part of the rainwater removal process. By checking the downspouts you will be able to extend the life of your gutter. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw holding the downspout to the rest of the system. Pull the downspout off of the connector and then wash it out. Consider using a rag with an all-purpose cleaner to remove the gunk from the inside of the spout and a rust remover to clean off any rust that has accumulated. Repeat this process three to four times per year to keep your downspouts clean.

Patching the holes in your system is essential. After about 5 years of use, your system is going to start having very small holes. You will start to see droplets of water collecting on the underside of the connectors. You can patch these small holes with a waterproof epoxy for best results. Make sure that you use gloves when you are working with epoxy. This is a very messy adhesive that can get on your fingers and be a nightmare to get off. Latex or rubber gloves will protect your hands from the substance.

The connectors on your system transport the water from the roof to the downspouts. The gap these connectors meet each other on the system can be a major source of rust. Use a screwdriver to remove the connectors one at a time. Use rust cleaner to clean all of the rust off of where the connection is made to the rest of the system. If the rust will not come off, consider using a steel bristled brush. This should do the trick without much effort. Leave the connectors in the sun so they can dry after you have cleaned them or use a rag to clean the water off of the ends. While you have the connectors down you can also check them for leaks.

Leveling your system is also a great way to make them last over 20 years. When the system is not level, cracks and unbalanced loads can throw it off. Use a common level to make sure that your system is straight from the connector to the downspout. Lower or raise the connectors as needed until you have the system balanced. You should also check where the connectors meet the house to take care of any issues so problems will not arise in the future.

Charles Dovbish is a freelance writer that specializes in DIY and home improvement.

Image Credit: Downspouts Patching Connectors Leveling