Q: How do I maintain my gutters?

• <div><p>Once you&rsquo;ve installed your gutters, you'll need to maintain them. You should clean your gutters once or twice a year to keep them functioning correctly. But if climbing a ladder and scooping out handfuls of wet leaf gunk is just not your thing, you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/gutter-cleaners/">hire a professional gutter cleaner near you</a> to do the job. </p></div>

Question 1

How do I maintain my gutters?

Accepted Answer

•

Once you’ve installed your gutters, you'll need to maintain them. You should clean your gutters once or twice a year to keep them functioning correctly. But if climbing a ladder and scooping out handfuls of wet leaf gunk is just not your thing, you can hire a professional gutter cleaner near you to do the job.

Question 2

Should I hire a professional to fix my gutters?

Accepted Answer

•

Outside of regular maintenance, most gutter repairs are best left to the pros. Most gutter projects require basic ladder safety and (sometimes) getting on top of your roof. Without the proper equipment (or if you generally get a little nervous with heights), you could put yourself at risk of serious injury. On top of that, improperly repaired gutters could result in longer term damage that requires a full replacement.

Question 3

How often do gutters need to be replaced?

Accepted Answer

•

On average, gutters need to be replaced every 20 years. Unprotected gutters in more extreme weather conditions are more prone to breaking and may need to be replaced sooner. Meanwhile, proper maintenance can extend your gutter’s life span even further. That said, proper installation, gutter hangers to provide additional support, and gutter guards or helmets all play an important role in how long your gutters last.

Question 4

Can you add a downspout to an existing gutter?

Accepted Answer

•

If your gutters get overwhelmed every time it rains, adding an extra downspout is a solution. First, you'll need to decide where to add the downspout. If your current setup only has a single downspout, one option is to place a new one at the opposite end of the gutter. If you already have a downspout at each end, adding a third one in the middle can help to lighten the load.

You can hire a professional to add a downspout yourself by cutting into the existing gutter and attaching the necessary parts, such as an outlet and brackets.

Question 5

​​Do buried downspouts freeze?

Accepted Answer

•

Buried downspouts can freeze during cold weather as cold water runs through them. If you’ve discovered your downspouts are frozen, you can carefully pour hot water down the top of the downspout to defrost them. If that doesn’t work, you may need to dig your downspout back up. Avoid trying to break the ice from the exterior using a hammer as this can cause cracks and damage to your downspout.

To avoid freezing the future, consider adding a heating cable to the exterior, which can adjust heat based on the surrounding temperature.