Summertime is coming to an end, which means fall is just around the corner. Cooler days and crisp evenings will be upon us before we know it, along with falling leaves and rain showers. Although many homeowners look forward to the more pleasant weather after a hot summer and the beautiful colorful landscape, the colder temperatures and falling leaves can create a big to-do list for home exterior upkeep.
It does not matter what condition your home is in; it is vulnerable to the unforgiving conditions of fall and winter. No one enjoys deep cleaning or repairing their gutters, but it is important to make sure they are clean, unclogged, and damage free before the rain, sleet, and snow set in.
Follow these 7 steps to ensure your gutters are cleaned and ready for fall weather and leaves.
1. Clean Your Gutters Completely
Put your hose to work one last time before you put it up for the season to wash out your gutters. Spend time cleaning out your gutters entirely removing the natural debris that has filled up your gutters and downspouts. Give your gutters a high-pressure spray down, then put on gloves and get rid of the remaining debris. If you really want to give it the best clean possible, mix warm water and soap, pour it into your gutters, and wipe them down with a sponge.
2. Inspect Your Gutters for Damages
Once your gutters have been thoroughly cleaned, it is now time to inspect them for whatever damages might have occurred since you cleaned them last or the last storm. Look for loose screws, leaks, uneven sections, and other major wear and tear. Looking for damages can not only help save on future repairs but can also inform you of what needs to be done now to prepare for the upcoming weather.
3. Repair What Needs to Be Fixed
Fixing necessary repairs will help your home in the long run. Neglecting to fill cracks or holes in your gutters could cause them to leak later in the season. These leaks could result in water or other debris seeping into the foundation or basement of your house. The weight of the weather that comes along with the fall season can create major problems with any leaks, cracks, or holes. It is a good idea to go into the season with strong gutters that don’t have any damages.
4. Trim Tree Branches
Neglecting to trim your trees could lead to clogs or damaged troughs. During the summer, tree branches grow and therefore could be directly over your roof or gutters. As the wind grows stronger, it picks up leaves, nuts, and seeds, sending them straight into your gutters or onto your roof, causing clogs.
5. Stop Rodents from Moving In
As the cold weather settles in and the precipitation that comes along with fall and winter begins, nature’s furry friends seek higher ground for warmth and shelter. The concave of your gutters and the covered exit of your downspouts are the perfect place for creatures such as mice, squirrels, opossums, and raccoons, to make a nest. Purchase some rodent repellent and give your gutters a nice coat after they have been cleaned and repaired.
6. Install Gutter Guards
If you do not enjoy climbing a ladder season after season or putting yourself in harm’s way, consider investing in gutter guards. Gutter guards go over your troughs and prevent leaves and other fall debris from getting into your gutters. They have pinpoints that are just wide enough to allow water to flow through your gutters and exit your gutter system the right way.
7. Call the Professionals
If you encounter major damages or are not a DIY individual, it is time to enlist in some professional help. If you think you need a full gutter repair, do not hesitate and have it done. Waiting a year or two just to save money could come with an even bigger price tag. All it takes is one unforgiving fall storm to cause the final blow, creating substantial damage to your gutters causing harm to your landscape, home exterior, or even worse, the interior.
Making sure your gutters are ready for fall can be a daunting task. Not every homeowner has the time to clean their gutters the right way to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging their gutters. If this is the case for you, then contact Gutter Pros today. We take pride in offering affordable, quick, high-quality service for your gutters. Call us at (314) 656-7195 so we can help you start preparing your gutters for fall!