The Homeowner’s Guide to Gutter Maintenance in Changing Climates
Spring is right around the corner. Can you sense the change in temperature with daytime highs and sunshine as opposed to temperatures hovering near freezing? The overnight lows are still chilly, but that will change as we inch nearer to springtime.
Along with the spring-like weather we’ve been seeing comes spring cleaning. Most homeowners will deep clean their homes, whether shampooing the carpets and rugs, moving the furniture to clean underneath, or doing exterior chores like pressure washing, staining the deck, etc. Springtime is the best time to tackle outdoor cleaning and projects like gutter maintenance.
Gutter maintenance is crucial to prolonging the life of your gutter system. Just like you get your car, furnace, air conditioning, and other things serviced every few months, your gutter system needs frequent maintenance to perform its best. Continue reading for a homeowner’s guide to gutter maintenance in changing climates so you can get your gutters ready for the months ahead.
1. Inspect Your Gutters for Fall/Winter Damage
Our gutter systems go through a lot. Gutter systems are exposed to the elements during snowstorms, ice storms, thunderstorms, humidity, heavy rains, hail, and strong wind gusts. Any time of year can produce severe storms that threaten your gutters, but fall and winter are especially tough on them.
Inspecting your gutters for fall/winter damage now or in early spring will help you catch damage that can be repaired before the heavy spring rains move into Central Virginia. The last thing you want is for fall/winter damage to your gutters to go unnoticed, resulting in even more damage from spring and summer storms.
So, what should you look out for when inspecting your gutters for fall/winter damage? Heavy snow and ice can put stress on gutter systems because of the excess weight they add. If you have sectional gutters, you’ll want to look for loose bolts and screws and sagging. Check for cracks or holes in the gutter for all gutter types and styles. Lower-quality gutter materials can crack and break from an influx of cold to warmer temperatures. If you notice any damage, contact a gutter installation company like K-Guard / One Stop Home Improvement Shop for gutter repair.
2. Inspect Your Roofline Near the Shingles/Gutters
Your roof and gutters work together and rely on one another to effectively drain and collect water from the roof, working together to prevent drainage issues. Unfortunately, fall and winter can wreak havoc on our gutter systems, exacerbating issues, like clogs and improper drainage.
When inspecting your gutters, look at the roofline where the shingles and gutters meet. Because they work together, if a gutter system has damage or isn’t draining water through the system, it can cause roof damage. Shingles can warp or come off, and the underlayment can get damaged and even cause wood rot. If you notice any damage to your shingles or roofline, contact a roofing company immediately to assess and repair the damage.
Keeping gutters clean is paramount to protect your home, including your roof, from water damage. Periodically inspect your gutters, especially after severe weather.
3. Clean the Gutters/Downspouts
Clean your gutter system at least twice a year – more if your home has trees close to the roofline. Cleaning gutters often keep them free and clear of debris like leaves, pine needles, silt, roof sediment, twigs, and many more forms of debris that can clog the gutters.
Clean your gutters each spring and fall, and stick to your gutter cleaning schedule. Cleaning gutters in the spring will remove rotten leaves from fall/winter while cleaning in the fall removes all the pine needles, seeds, blooms, and even pests that can land in and call your gutter system home.
Cleaning gutters is a dangerous task that involves scaling a tall ladder and moving it around the perimeter of your home, all while carrying tools needed to clean the gutters, like a bucket, scoop, and garden hose. Take a look at our ultimate guide to cleaning your gutters, or contact K-Guard / One Stop Home Improvement Shop to schedule your next gutter cleaning. We’re quick and professional and will get your gutters sparkling clean!
4. Consider Installing New Gutters
Though the above steps can keep your gutters clean in changing climates, they’re temporary things that will need to be repeated at least twice per year. If you want to rest easy each season knowing your gutters are in great shape and require zero maintenance, consider installing new gutters.
Installing seamless gutters helps to reduce maintenance by ensuring clogs don’t form from tiny gaps between sections that can catch and trap debris. Installing a high-quality seamless gutter system and pairing it with a gutter guard like our Xtreme Mesh Gutter Guard blocks debris from entering the gutter system. Leaves and debris won’t enter the system, making it a much cleaner and easier gutter system to maintain.
If you want a permanent gutter solution, consider installing the K-Guard System. K-Guard is a complete system with oversized gutters, downspouts, and a curved hood, keeping debris out and water moving through the gutter system. Clog-free, durable, and excellent performance make for a lifetime gutter solution and zero gutter maintenance!
K-Guard / One Stop Home Improvement Shop has been installing and repairing gutter systems for decades with tens of thousands of happy customers in Lynchburg and surrounding areas. We can help with all your home improvement needs, whether you need help with an insurance claim or a quote for installing a new roof or gutter system. We’re here to help every step of the way throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free estimate!
