Gutters are silent warriors protecting your property. They guide water off the roof away from your property so it does not reach the foundation of your house. This also means your gutters are subjected to extensive wear and tear, making them vulnerable to significant damage. 

One such damage to look for is rust or corrosion. Rust can cause a significant problem for the effectiveness of gutters while also posing a threat to your property. 

What Causes Rust in Gutters?

Gutter rust forms when water is not drained properly or water pools inside the gutter. This can be due to improper gutter installation, incorrect slope angle, or a clog that prevents water from flowing freely.

The debris in these clogged gutters turns into destructive sludge that can lead to corrosion and rust.

Rust tends to spread quickly, completely oxidising the metal, and rendering your gutters useless. The gutter system can collapse and will have to be repaired or replaced. 

How To Prevent Rust Formation

While gutters are durable, they are still susceptible to eventual deterioration and rust formation. Gutter rust formation can be directly correlated to the amount of debris that’s accumulated in your gutter — the more the amount of debris, the higher the possibility of rust and corrosion. 

To prevent rust formation, periodic cleaning of your gutter is of utmost importance. Proper gutter cleaning will remove all debris, thus eliminating all moisture that can facilitate rusting.

Another option is to re-angle or re-install the gutter if the rust is the result of improper gutter installation or incorrect angle. It will ensure that the water drains properly and help minimise clogging that can damage the gutter. 

Primers and sealants can also be very helpful in preventing rust formation. 

How Gutter Cleaning Can Help Prevent Rust Formation

Let’s take a look at how regular gutter cleaning can help prevent rust formation and even extend the efficiency of your gutters. 

Prevents Water Damage

Clogged gutters are a major factor that can cause water leaks and extensive damage including rust formation. When left unchecked for a long time, this accumulated water and debris can corrode the metal of the gutter, resulting in rust. Regular cleaning can prevent this from happening. 

Extends the Durability of Gutters

Rust can significantly weaken the strong structure of the gutter and can cause it to collapse. And rust spreads quickly, so it can reduce the lifespan of the metal of the gutter drastically. 

With regular gutter cleaning, the gutter will be properly maintained and its durability will be extended by a few years. 

Prevents Further Damage and Costly Repairs

When rusting is left unchecked, the gutter eventually corrodes and breaks. This can result in costly repairs or even having to replace the gutter entirely, which can incur huge expenses. Clogged and rusted gutters can also lead to various other problems such as structural damage that will necessitate more repairs and additional costs.

Regular gutter cleaning helps maintain the integrity of the structure, which in turn helps reduce the risk of further damage.

Reduces the Risk of a Damaged Foundation

Water pooling can lead to cracks and damages in the foundation of your property, eventually weakening it. With proper gutter cleaning, including the use of sealants, the gutter’s stability can be maintained. This can help increase the gutter’s drainage ability, thus reducing clogging and the potential risk of rust formation. 

While gutter cleaning may seem like a small and insignificant chore, it is crucial for gutter maintenance. Regular cleaning of your gutters makes sure there is no blockage or moisture accumulation, thus helping prevent damage to gutters and other parts of the property. Our skilled team at Gutter-Vac can get your gutters clean and help prevent potential rust formation. For more information about our services, get in touch with us today!