Get matched with top gutter repair and replacement pros in Wallace Ridge, LA

The trick to getting gleaming gutters can vary based on the material of your gutters. Aluminum gutters can often be restored to pristine condition by using a cloth to scrub them with a solution consisting of 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water. Vinyl gutters can be whitened using dish soap and water. For deeply stained vinyl gutters, adding bleach with water and dish soap may help to remove black streaks. Many retailers sell premixed gutter sprays. Applying cleaning solutions to dry gutters before rinsing can help cleaners attach to dirt and grime for easier removal.

There are a handful of things you can look for to determine if you need to pay for gutter repairs, including the following:

• Water leaking from the underside of your gutters during rainfall

• Visible gaps between your gutters and your roof

• Frequent issues with gutters overflowing or holding standing water

• Gutters that sag or pull away from the house

• Water damage to soffits, fascia boards, or other building materials

• Mold growth on your exterior walls

• Soil erosion underneath your roof overhang

• Foundation leaks or inward bowing of foundation walls

Downspouts channel water from your roof and gutters into the ground following a specific route so water doesn’t accumulate around your house’s foundation. Without a downspout, the standing water will wash away material and disrupt the soil, leading to foundation erosion. The standing water will also form ice around your house during cold weather, causing a safety hazard.

Unless you've chosen to install underground downspouts, your gutter downspouts shouldn't touch the ground. If they come into contact with the soil or pavement next to your home, rainwater can back up into them during a storm, preventing them from doing their job effectively. Instead, aim to have your downspouts end about 12 inches from the ground.