Updated Oct 15, 2022
Updated Oct 15, 2022
Gutters are a crucial component of every home. These important systems collect rainwater from your roof and channel it safely away from your home’s siding and foundation. Without gutters, these areas would be at serious risk for water damage.
The fall season is one of the best times to ensure your gutters are in pristine condition. As beautiful as the season’s leaves are, fall foliage can clog up your gutter systems, rendering them inefficient and even useless against the elements. If you need help preparing your gutters for autumn, read on for a checklist to get your gutters clean, cleared, and ready to take on the season.
Gutters are most likely to get clogged in autumn because of breezy winds and falling leaves. Debris piling up in your gutters won’t seem like a big deal – until rainwater can no longer travel throughout the troughs. If you fail to clear the debris out of your gutter system, it has a higher risk of developing ice dams during winter.
Here are some gutter cleaning tips to get you started on fall maintenance:
Once you’ve cleaned your gutters and downspouts, it’s time to check the systems for damage or repair needs. And for homeowners that love a DIY project, gutter maintenance doesn’t necessarily require professional help. However, a pro should always perform more serious repairs or total system replacements.
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, you should ensure your gutters are free of rust, cracks, and holes that could cause leaks. The weaker the gutters are, the more likely they’ll break away from your roof, pulling shingles and siding down with them.
You should also inspect the following areas for looseness, cracks, and damage:
Gutter guards are filters that prevent debris buildup in the system. Installing these nifty accessories to your gutters is an excellent way to keep them clean and simplify future cleanup and maintenance. Read this guide to learn about some of the best gutter guard options on the market.
Fall signals the start of the cooler season in most parts of the United States. As outdoor conditions become less favorable, animals like mice, rats, chipmunks, and squirrels start to seek refuge from the cold. Prevent your gutters from becoming a critter’s paradise by investing in a humane rodent repellent.
Rodent repellents like this one from Mighty Mint will keep furry friends away without hurting them. The product’s strong odor irritates the rodents’ noses, discouraging them from setting up camp in and around your gutters.
The bright sunshine and frequent rain during the summer months encourage many trees to grow and flourish. This is a plus for your landscape’s visual appeal but can cause problems when autumn rolls around. Bigger trees mean more leaves and long branches that can reach over your home’s roof.
Fall and winter bring higher winds and heavier precipitation, which can cause the limbs to snap under pressure. Keep your gutters cleaner and the roof safer by trimming tree branches during the early fall.
If your gutters are full of holes or falling apart, it’s time for a system replacement. Installing new gutters may be more cost-effective than trying to repair damaged ones. The best way to ensure your gutters are installed correctly and in time for winter is to call in a gutter installation expert. These professionals know how to install and connect each component for the best results.
If you’re confident in your ability to install your own gutters, do so with quality, precision, and the final product in mind. Our DIY gutter installation guide provides tips and tricks to help you get the job done right.
Armed with these tips, it’s easy to prepare your gutters for fall. With proper maintenance, inspection, and a clean start, these functional systems will support your home through the final seasons of the year.
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