Tips for Autumn Gutter Care

The air is getting a little crisper each day; small critters are running around, ensuring they have everything they need ready for the winter, and the falling tree leaves create a hallmark scene every time you walk out the door. It's safe to say Autumn is officially here, so here are some tips for autumn gutter care.

While the falling leaves create a beautiful view, and the busy critters are cute, they can all collectively create havoc on the gutters that protect your home. Even if your home and gutters look in good shape, they can still have unexpected weak spots that can become more significant issues.

We know there are several autumn activities you'd rather be doing, but it's essential to do all that you can to keep your gutters clean, unclogged, and damage free for all the rain, sleet, hail, and snow to come.

Now that you know how important gutters are to the care of your home, we can move on to how to take the best care of them so they can do the best job protecting your home.

Gutter cleaning doesn't have to be complicated. Get a ladder and give your hose one last warm weather hurrah by using it to remove all of the natural debris that has filled up your gutters and downspouts. If your gutters still have organic growth adhering to the bottoms or side walls, then get in there with a scrub brush and get rid of that grime. Trust us, having clean gutters will make all the difference.

Now that you have gone through the deep gutter cleaning process, you can more clearly inspect them for any damages since you last cleaned them or after big storms that have come through.

Check for any loose screws, cracks where leaks may come from, uneven sagging sections, rust, or any areas with excessive wear and tear.

It is also common for gutters to leak by the joints. This is where inside and outside corners are joined together by miters. Often times the caulking breaks down and no longer keeps a seal. Make a checklist for yourself of the following questions:

-Are the gutters sagging or pulling away from the house?
-Is the downspout loose?
-Are there cracks?
-Are there leaks?
-Is there rust?

Checking for damage will help you save money on more significant repairs in the future and will also let you know what you need to pay attention to now to be ready for the upcoming season.

Once you've found the areas that need repairing, don't be a procrastinator gator; fix them as soon as possible. If you forget to fill up any small cracks or holes in your gutters, they could lead to worse problems later in the season when it's cold, and the last thing you want to do is spend your time outside fixing a big leak that was avoidable.

Leaks can lead to water and other debris going into the foundation and basement of your home, and as you read earlier, that opens a can of worms that you'd much rather not have to deal with.

That's not the only danger in not repairing damages you run into; Rain, ice, and snow are also coming in winter, and the weight of that can cause even more significant issues. It's best to make repairs as soon as you know of the problems.

We all love a beautiful autumn scene of orange-hued leaves falling, but our gutters don't care so much about the view as they do about being able to do their job efficiently. Look out for branches that have grown in the summer and are close to your roof or gutters; if you find some, trim them. Autumn breezes can blow leaves, nuts, and seeds right into your gutters and clog them up.

All critters love a warm and cozy place to call home for the winter. When they're not out looking for food, they search for a place to set up camp. The concave areas of your gutters and covered exit of your downspout are prime real estate to them. While cute, you certainly don't want them in your gutter system.

Give them the news kindly but firmly by buying some rodent repellent and giving your gutter system a coat after cleaning and repairing it. They'll get the memo and set up their home somewhere else.

To help avoid clogs and having to clean your gutters often, you may want to consider installing gutter guards. Gutter guard covers act as shields for your gutters, protecting them from leaves and debris that can fall in, but they let water enter and exit your gutters smoothly. These protectors significantly reduce the amount of debris that builds up in your gutters over time, which means less work for you.

If cleaning and repairing sounds doesn't sound like what you want to do on a beautiful autumn day, we are happy to take over. While you might want to save money, hiring professionals ensures that your gutter system will be cleaned or installed correctly.

You won't need to spend double the money on repairs later because something didn't get installed correctly and all the nightmarish possibilities we mentioned above happened to your landscape, house exteriors, and interiors. Avoid all that and contact us today for a free consultation for your gutter installation. We are always here for you and happy to help.