With autumn around the corner, it’s a good time to prepare your gutters for the upcoming season. Debris can fall and clog your gutters in the spring and summer months, but your gutters are most susceptible to debris during the autumn months, specifically from falling leaves. Clogged gutters can cause backups and even flooding, so inspecting them beforehand is essential. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Clean gutters first
Your first step in preparation for the autumn months is to clean out the current debris. While fewer leaves fall in the summer, gutter-clogging debris from storms can still find a home in your gutters, and birds or other critters are constant pest no matter what time of the year it is. Grab a step ladder and gloves and remove any dams created by nature.
Inspect for damage
Gutters routinely bear a lot of pressure throughout the seasons, especially during storms, winter and when animals nest in them. Check every inch of your gutter system to ensure its prepared for the upcoming autumn season. Monitor any cracks, sagging, loose harnesses, separation or other damages. Even a small issue can turn into a lucrative problem when homeowners procrastinate on repairs. If you’re unsure if the gutters need replacing or not, contact an expert to repair them, or replace them if necessary. Gutters play a vital role in protecting your home from water damage. Don’t take any shortcuts.
Trim away nearby branches
This is a good preventative measure to halt leaves from entering your gutters in the first place. Removing branches from above your home takes out the debris before it gets the chance to clog your gutters. Plus, removing overhanging branches prevents sticks from entering your gutters and branches from falling on your roof during heavy storms.
Install gutter guards
There is never a better time to install gutter guards than right before autumn. Gutter guards keep debris out of your gutters, but each style certainly comes with its own lists of pros and cons. We’re not going to list your gutter guard options, as there are many, but consider your climate and location before purchasing a gutter guard system as each style is designed for unique situations; what works in the Midwest will not work in the South.
Keep cold-weather pests from claiming their home
There is a whole list of animals that can find a home in your gutter, from opossums to non-migratory birds. The best ways to keep them out is installing pest-proof gutter guards or routinely checking your gutters.
Install a new gutter system
If you find yourself frequently repairing or cleaning your gutter system, it’s probably time for a replacement. The money spent is time saved, plus the autumn and winter months will certainly bring more damage and debris to your gutter than the summer. Don’t let procrastination lead to a major gutter issue, such as flooding or exterior damage. Plus, replacing your old gutter system with a new one will make the next few years easier with less maintenance.
Hire a professional
Whether you’re replacing your gutter or just inspecting, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to do it for you. You likely do not spend 40+ hours a week fixing and maintaining home exteriors and gutter systems, professionals do. They can offer their expert opinion and get you in contact with a professional maintenance team, all while you can kick back and relax in your Lay-Z-Boy.
