Your Fall Gutter Maintenance Guide

Moisture damage is the biggest threat to a home. Rain and snow are two causes of moisture that often account for considerable damage to a home. Gutters protect homes from moisture damage, diverting water away from the roof and the foundation, the two important components on homes. However, gutters need maintenance every season, especially during the fall. Sticks, dirt, leaves, and even wildlife clog gutters. If it isn’t removed, it can restrict the flow of water. This puts the home at risk of damage and the potential need for gutter replacement. Fall gutter maintenance is especially important because winter is around the corner. Snow is a major threat during the winter in Winston-Salem, but the cold morning frosts and dew also cause damage to an unprotected roof or gutter system. The following gutter maintenance tips help you maintain your gutters and avoid the need for gutter replacement.

Consider using professional contractors to clean the gutters. The job is dangerous and can result in injuries if you’re not careful. Additionally, you need several tools and pieces of equipment on top of skills in this area of home improvement. Keep the following tips in mind if you plan on a DIY job so you can better protect yourself from these dangers.

Here’s your guide to fall gutter maintenance. Follow this information to keep your gutters in great condition all year long.

Consider installing gutter guards on the gutters. Guards protect gutters from debris such as leaves and sticks. These items clog gutters, which then prevent proper water flow from the unit. Gutter guards require professional installation, but reduce the number of cleanings you need each year and protect the gutter system.

Until gutter guards protect the gutters, clearing debris out is a part of gutters maintenance. If you don’t clean the gutters, many repercussions may result. The gutters can fall off the roof if there is more weight than they can handle. The gutters may contribute to foundation cracking due to water leaks, cause property flooding, and/or damage the roof. Fall gutter cleaning is very important since cold weather is around the corner. Cold weather can freeze water in the gutters. You then have a big problem on your hands that will likely result in the need for gutter replacement. It is considerably cheaper and far less time-consuming to take care of your gutters now and avoid these costs.

After cleaning the gutters, carefully inspect them for any damages. Pay special attention to the seams, since this is where most gutters fail. If you notice damage, repair it quickly. Also, check the hardware to ensure that it’s not coming loose and the anchors to make sure they’re securely fastened to the house and that you don’t notice gaps between the roof and fascia.

Don’t forget to check the downspouts during gutter cleaning. So often homeowners forget the importance of good working downspouts and don’t bother checking them. Make sure you check the downspouts and the diverters to make sure the water is properly disbursed at least 10-ft. from the home at a downward slope.

Winter is around the corner. That means it’s time to protect your home from the added risks the season brings. Cleaning the gutters every season is important. It prolongs their life expectancy and ensures thorough protection for your home. But, it’s not a secret that during the winter, gutter cleaning and maintenance holds a little more value. Winter does a number to everyone and everything, including your gutters. Take action to protect the gutter system against winter damage now and perform this gutters maintenance task.