“The Home Improvement Show with Scott Mosby”
Saturday, June 2, 2007, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Topic: GuttersScott will take your calls at 314.436.7900 or toll free at 1.800.925.1120.

Our wet spring has been good for lawns and gardens, but makes our gutters work overtime. If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to check that your gutters are working and draining properly. Clogged gutters cause damage to:

● Landscaping, lawns and shrubbery

● Walls and foundation

● Basements and crawl spaces

TYPES OF GUTTERING

Steel gutters generally perform better than aluminum or vinyl. Aluminum gutters move too much during weather changes; the expansion and contraction causes nails and screws to loosen up. Vinyl guttering comes in 10-foot lengths, meaning there are lots of seams that need to be sealed.

CLEANING

If there are a lot of trees around your home, check gutters numerous times throughout the year to make sure the troughs remain clear. Even without trees around, asphalt shingle pebbles can accumulate in gutters, and when mixing with water and dirt, can form a heavy paste.

● Clean gutters only when dry

● Scoop out debris by hand and only use a hose to flush out remaining debris

● Do not ever lean ladders against the gutters

● Gutter guards are a good investment

● Better yet, hire reputable companies to clean and maintain them for you.