Your Gutters are an essential part of your home, keeping them in good condition helps to keep a happy and healthy home!
As summer draws to an inevitable close, the cooler weather will start to set in and the leaves will begin to change color. If you live in the Northeast, you know how beautiful this time of year can be. Although we love seeing the warm hues on the trees, there is something else to keep in mind once these leaves start to fall.
Our gutters are easily impacted by the falling leaves and are important to take care of before autumn truly sets in. While all those colors can be gorgeous, the fluttering leaves can cause quite a few headaches if the gutters aren't prepared for the season. Even in areas such as the American Southwest, which won't see as much debris from deciduous trees, most experts still advise homeowners to clean out the gutters at least twice a year.
Our experts here at HomeProMatch have listed the steps that every homeowner should take to prepare their gutters for the fall season.
Step One: Clean out the gutters
Typical gutters are 5 x 6 inches, a rather narrow space for collecting leaves, especially in areas with lots of deciduous trees. Clogged gutters are common and are known for causing mayhem. Trees and other plants can take root in the decomposing leaves and be serious headaches to remove.
Small critters, such as squirrels, chipmunks, mice and opossums can also take refuge in the gutters, blocking the flow with nesting materials and filling the gutter with waste and animal fur. Over time, they can cause serious damage to the gutters, corroding them or causing the seams to pull apart, resulting in costly repairs.
To avoid issues like these, it's recommended that all homeowners have their gutters cleaned at least twice a year, regardless of climate.
Step Two: Check the gutters for damage
Gutters commonly experience a range of issues if they aren't properly cared for. Season after season of harsh weather can wear down the materials over time, sometimes even if they are decently looked after. Strong storms or even just a windy day could fill a gutter to capacity.
Common warning signs for gutters could be:
- Sagging
- Leaks
- Holes
- Rust
Some issues are more manageable than others and a simple repair may be all that's needed to get the gutters back in shape.
Step Three: Make necessary repairs
If there's damage to the gutters, it's best to fix it as soon as possible. Waiting to make small repairs can result in costly complications to other areas of the home, such as the foundation, windows, and exterior walls.
Heavy rainfall can occur at any time of the year, causing torrents of water to gush through the gutters at rapid speed. Even a warm day can melt enough snow on the roof during winter that the gutters may overflow. Water cascading out of the gutters can cause damage to the windows, forcing water through small gaps. This water can also soak into the ground around the foundations, causing water leakage that could lead to structural instability down the line.
Most repairs are quick and easy, and won't break the bank, so you and your home can be ready for the fall season.
Step Four: Trim tree branches
Tree branches and climbing vines are common culprits for causing damage to gutters, and as such, should be kept trimmed back. During storms or high wind speeds, the limbs can catch and drag against the gutters, potentially ripping them from the roofline entirely. In the winter, snow and ice can weigh over 100 lbs, bearing down onto tree limbs. This weight can allow tree branches to easily catch and lean on the gutters, dragging them down to the ground.
Climbing vines can completely ensnare your gutters, growing up and over spouts, and along the center of the gutter, causing clogging. Certain species of vine are even strong enough to punch small holes through the guttering material in order to gain better access to sunlight.
Step Five: Install a gutter guard
A surefire way to keep your gutters in better shape for the fall and winter seasons are gutter guards.
There are a variety of products on the market, each with a slightly different design. Some may be sheets of metal with slots to allow rainwater into the gutters. Other designs are more of a rounded platform above the gutter, letting water into the gutter, while the leaves and debris slide off and fall to the ground below.
If you've been thinking about investing in a gutter guard system, here at HomePro Match, we've assembled the best local gutter contractors in your area to help you get started today.
Finding a Gutter Contractor
Gutters are an essential part of your home's water management. They safely funnel away water that could otherwise rot the roof or settle around the foundation and cause more costly issues.
Here at HomePro Match, we know how important gutters are to the health of your home. That's why we've collected the best local contractors in your area to service homeowners just like you.
If you think it's time to get your home's gutters ready for the fall and winter seasons, reach out to your local gutter contractor today!
