Are Your Gutters Ready for Fall?

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.

How to Prepare Your Home’s Gutters for Fall

Clean the Gutters and Downspouts

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:

• Work toward the middle when cleaning your gutters. Start at one corner of your home – near the downspout – and work your way to the center, stopping halfway to switch sides. This technique prevents you from pushing debris into the downspout as you go.
• Wear heavy-duty work gloves if you plan to clean your gutters by hand. Fall debris can be thick, dirty, and home to pests like spiders and roaches. Work gloves protect your hands from contact with insects and reduce the threat of cuts and blisters.
• Consider buying gutter scoops. If you’d rather not clean your gutters by hand, we suggest buying gutter scoops like these from Amazon. They’re shovel-like tools that allow you to scoop heaps of debris from the gutters without dirtying your hands.
• Use a garden hose to wash the remaining leaves from the troughs. We recommend attaching a high pressure nozzle to your hose to best complete this step. Pay special attention to the downspouts, which can become easily clogged with debris, snow, and ice as temperatures drop.
• Wrap up the cleaning project by rinsing the gutter exteriors. You can easily do this with a soft brush, gentle soap, and warm water. This step will also improve your home’s curb appeal.

Inspect the System for Repair Needs

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:

• Fascias: These panels connect gutters to the side of the home.
• Brackets: Also known as hangers, these attach gutters to the roof with screws and support the system’s weight.
• Straps: These support the vertical downspout and fasten it to the home’s siding.
• Downspouts: These vertical chutes at the end of a gutter system channel water toward the ground. Downspout sections are at higher risk of becoming clogged during autumn.

Install Gutter Guards

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.

Invest in Rodent Repellent

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.

Trim Back Tree Branches

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.

Replace the Gutter System If Needed

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.

Final Thoughts

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.