How To Prepare Your Gutters For Spring

With spring just around the corner, now is the best time to ensure your gutters are in tip-top condition. Although winter might have been brutal on them, spring brings about a whole new level of challenge, from rainstorms pounding the roof and gutters to gusty winds. These weather elements can cause serious damage to your gutters, costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. Checking and prepping the gutters on time can thus save you lots of money in repairs. 

With temperatures outside getting warmer by the day, much of the snow and frozen debris will have melted off within a matter of days. Create time to climb up (or have someone do it for you) to check the condition of the gutters to see if they can withstand the weather elements ahead. 

Gutters play a crucial role in channeling water away from the roof and foundation of the house, especially when there is a heavy downpour.  Since heavy downpours are inevitable here in Long Island, the risk of damage on forsaken or loose gutters is relatively high. Although you might be able to identify and fix most gutter issues (such as removing debris and clearing the channel), it would be advisable to schedule a professional gutter inspection before the season sets in. This should give you enough time to fix any issues, hence avoiding the need to replace the entire gutter system altogether. Here are a few tips on how to prep your gutters for the spring season. 

1. Have Any Minor Gutter Issues Fixed 

Some gutter issues that may seem minor to the homeowner can transform into something major should there be a heavy downpour. Call an expert immediately should you notice something wrong/off with the gutters. Overlooking some of these issues could cost you the entire gutter or, even worse, cause structural damage to your home. 

2. Clean the Gutters 

Leaves, twigs, debris, and other sediments can collect within the gutter channel over time, especially during the cold winter season. These materials can cause blockage causing the melting (melted) water to back up, increasing the risk of a leak in the roof. Clean the gutters/channel as soon as the snow melts to ensure water flows unhindered as required. 

3. Install A Gutter Guard 

Most cases of leaves, twigs and other materials piling up and blocking your gutters can be avoided by installing a gutter guard. Gutter guards are specially designed to allow water into the gutters while keeping larger foreign materials (twigs, leaves, etc.) out. All you need to do is call a gutter installation company to help with the installations. These experts know everything about gutter guards and the best type/quality for your home. You will never have to worry about climbing up to sweep or clean the gutters once the guards are installed. 

4. Get Rid of Overhanding Tree Branches 

Branches hanging over your roof pose a danger to you and the house in general. The risk of these branches breaking off during a wind/rainstorm is unimaginable, a reason you should have them trimmed off carefully and professionally. Trimming dead and overhanging branches helps keep you safe while reducing the likelihood of twigs and branches finding their way into your gutters. 

5. Check The Gutter Hangers 

Various weather elements, including extreme temperature changes, can cause gutter hangers to loosen and pull off over time. It would thus be advisable to check and ensure they are secured properly on the fascial board and not wobbly at all. Although the gutters may be in place, loose hangers may not hold if it rains heavily, hence should be re-secured back in place. You might also want to check the fascia board to see if it is secured properly too.