How to Help Extend the Life of Your Roof and Gutters

Installed correctly and working properly, your roof and gutters move rain and melted snow safely away from your house. But when that water-removal process is inhibited, the damage can be devastating. What’s worse, sometimes the problem isn’t apparent until the damage has already been done. The solution? A combination of inspections, cleanings and repairs that can help minimize your costs, your efforts and your anxiety.

All about cleaning gutters

It’s no exaggeration to say that inspecting and cleaning those modest troughs attached to the edges of your roof probably ranks as one of the most loathsome home maintenance tasks. And it’s no secret why. Scooping out filthy muck by hand is time-consuming, physically taxing and even risky, especially when you’re standing on an extension ladder well above the ground. But the following information will help you understand the “why,” “when” and “how” of gutter cleaning.

Why gutters need cleaning

Left out of sight and out of mind, neglected rain gutters can cause any of these major problems:

• Rotting fascia boards and soffits below the eaves
• Widespread mold and mildew growth
• Basement water incursion
• Landscape erosion
• Foundation degradation
• Insect and pest infestation
• Roof damage

When to clean gutters

Gutter cleaning is a yearly issue, and depending on the environment you live in, sometimes it needs to happen more frequently. An annual gutter cleaning—ideally in the fall, after the seasonal cascade of leaves—is strongly recommended, but twice a year (spring and fall) is even better.

How to clean gutters

Cleaning your gutters and downspouts can be a demanding task. When it comes to devices that remove debris, you’ve got several choices. Some are special telescoping tools that attach to your garden hose, pressure washer, wet/dry vac or leaf blower so that you can do the cleaning from the ground. These methods are safer than ones that require climbing a ladder, but you won’t be able to see into the gutters to inspect your work. If you’re comfortable on an extension ladder and you have someone who can stabilize it while you’re on it and moving around, you can remove debris by hand or with a gutter scoop.

Should you get gutter guards?

No gutter guards will completely remove the need for cleaning your gutters and downspouts, but they can help minimize clogging from leaves and debris. According to Forbes, the average cost of gutter guards for a typical home is $1,125, but the price will vary based on the type used, the home’s size and whether the installation is a DIY project or done by professionals.

How to choose the right type of gutters to install

If you are replacing or installing, gutters are available in a number of different materials with a range of features and costs to install them. Here are the pros and cons of the most popular choices:

• Vinyl gutters are the least expensive and easiest to install, but they have low durability.
• Aluminum gutters are low in cost and available in a variety of colors, but lightweight aluminum may dent or bend.
• Steel gutters are durable and can withstand heavy loads, but they can be harder to install and may rust.
• Zinc gutters are durable and low maintenance, but they’re expensive and require professional installation.
• Copper gutters are the most durable and have a popular aesthetic appeal, but they carry the highest cost.               

Roof Inspections: Why they are important

Have your roof inspected in the fall before the onset of snow and ice, and after a severe storm. If the inspection reveals clogged gutters or any of the following problems, address them immediately.

• Damaged or loose flashing
• Cracked vent boots
• Chimney damage
• Loose or missing shingles

Of course, nothing lasts forever, and there will come a time when your roof reaches the end of its life, regardless of repairs. The temperature changes that cause materials to expand and contract will make an aging roof brittle and susceptible to damage, and direct sunlight can melt the tar that holds everything together.

Roof cleaning is a must

Roof cleaning to remove moss, algae, airborne debris and general gunk is usually a job best left to the pros. This is especially true for tile roofs, which are durable and beautiful but also prone to algae growth—and they can be slippery when wet. Consider having your tile roof fully inspected every two years. This lets the experts check for damage, helps protect against leaks, and maintains your warranty coverage.

Having your roof cleaned at the same time each year will help keep it in good shape, so it remains an efficient barrier between living spaces and the outdoors. To take roof protection a step further, an algae-prevention solution applied to a clean roof will protect it against growth for two years. 

A new roof is a substantial investment, so of course you don’t want to have to replace it any sooner than necessary. Regular cleaning can extend its life. Without consistent maintenance and cleaning—preferably using a gentle soft-wash technique that cleans without high pressure (which can be potentially damaging)—it won’t last as long as it should. 

Hiring a professional roofer

If you’re bothered by heights, are unsteady on your feet for any reason, or simply aren’t comfortable working on your roof, consider a roof or gutter cleaning service to handle the job. A quick online search reveals that there’s no shortage of roofing professionals available in most areas. As with other such companies, get cost and time estimates from several, read customer reviews online (if available), and be sure that any contractor you’re considering is licensed and insured for what you want done.  

Another smart move to avoid being disappointed with the quality of the work—or worse, being ripped off—is to ask friends, family and neighbors for contractor recommendations. You can’t put a price on trust.

Does insurance cover my roof?

Because roof repairs can be costly, it’s good to have an understanding of the kinds of claims that can be covered by insurance. First and foremost, it’s a property owner’s responsibility to maintain their roof. A homeowners policy won’t cover the cost of replacing or repairing a roof that has problems due to neglect. And once a roof is past its prime, any coverage it still has likely may be limited to actual cash value or a scheduled depreciation.