DID
YOU GUESS IT??
New
Gutters on a Home
When
gutters and downspouts are plugged or in need of repair, you
will most likely end up with moisture and/or drainage problems
around your house.
Inspect
and clean gutters and downspouts at least twice a year—once
before the start of winter and again in late spring.
Check the gutter outlet opening where the water flows into
the downspout.
Check all gutter hangers for tightness.
Check
each downspout for leaks and water flow, by spouting water
into each gutter, using a hose or pail of water.
If there are leaks, repair them. Use a wire brush suitable
for the gutter material to clean the area of the leak and
to free loose metal, rust or other materials. Gutters and
downspouts may be of steel, copper, plastic aluminum or wood.
Wipe clean. Apply a “putty” or any of the materials such as
asphalt roof cement, suited for the gutter repair and the
type of gutter material you are repairing.
Safety
is also very important when you are cleaning gutters or working
on the roof. Always use a sturdy ladder long enough to reach
the highest gutter. If you cannot do the job safely or do
not have the skills and tools to do so, consider having a
professional clean and repair your gutters. It is best to
have someone else around when you are doing the cleaning that
requires climbing.
Resources:
Cleaning
Gutters and Downspouts - UNL Extension in Lancaster County
Home
Fixit: Maintaining the House Structure - UNL Extension
Improving
Stormwater Management at Residential Sites - UNL Extension
in Douglas/Sarpy Counties
Wet
Basements Possible During or Just After Drought - IANR
News
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