When Rain Gutters and Flashing Look Old, It Might Be Time to Paint Instead

Gutters, flashing, and downspouts not only look good on the outside of your home but also provide a great way to make sure the rain doesn’t damage your home’s exterior or yard. Naturally, gutters need to be cleaned regularly so they can remain neat and well-functioning, and many homeowners choose professional gutter-cleaning companies for this job because it is easier and normally produces better results. However, if regular maintenance and care of your gutters isn’t enough to keep them looking good, and especially if the gutters and surrounding areas are starting to show some wear and tear and looking old, it may be time to start painting this part of your home. Painting your gutters can protect them from the elements a little better, and as long as you keep a few basic tips in mind, the task should be very simple.

Gutters Like Paint!

If you have decided to paint your gutters and flashing, there is good news because metal objects actually love paint. Before you do anything else, it is recommended that you clean your gutters thoroughly so that the paint looks neat and even when you’re done. Pressure washing is not recommended, however, as this doesn’t usually remove every speck of dirt on your home. There are many oxygen-bleach products on the market that are excellent for cleaning your gutters, and all you have to do is mix up the solution according to directions and use a spray bottle to do your cleaning. Spray the solution, then quickly wash the gutters with water, and continue this pattern until the gutters are clean. You can also use a brush with a long pole on it to brush and further clean the gutters, and even liquid dishwashing soaps can be used in addition to the bleach product. When you’re done, the gutters may have a chalky appearance, and this is good because it means they are clean enough for the next step.

Follow the Rules Exactly

Whatever type of paint you choose to work with, making sure it is appropriate for metal products such as gutters is crucial. If your gutters are made of aluminum, as most of them are, make sure the paint is appropriate for that type of metal. As far as using the primer-paint combinations, that choice is up to you, but again, it is important that the product is able to be used on your aluminum gutters. Faded aluminum gutters usually respond well to primers that are either acrylic bonding or a primer that is the oil-based metal kind. The latter may require some thinning with 16 ounces of thinner to every gallon of the primer. Again, reading labels is important, because no one knows a product better than the companies that make it. In addition, if you paint the gutters within 24 hours of applying your primer, it will produce better overall results. Painting your gutters produces a long-lasting effect that you will be proud of in the end, and if you pay attention to these and other tips, the job is made much easier.

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