Important Gutter Maintenance Tips For The Winters

Fall is the best time of year to inspect your roof, gutter, and downspout systems to prepare them for winter. Gutter maintenance is ongoing, and inspections should be performed before and after storms to keep gutters and downspouts free of debris, clogs, or damage that could lead to roof leaks or compromise your roof’s longevity. Here is a brief guide on the maintenance of gutters Lynchburg VA.

1. Always maintain safety

In most cases, you won’t need to get up on the roof to clean or maintain gutters and downspouts, you’ll still be up on a ladder. Plus, disturbing debris and dirt can irritate or injure the eyes, hands, or exposed areas of the body. Make sure you wear goggles, non-slip shoes, and if needed, hire a professional.

2. Clean gutters at least twice in a year

Gutters should be cleaned at least twice per year. Typically, we recommend cleaning them before the winter season, and then again in the spring. However, it’s a good idea to take a peek after any major storm. If you hear the clatter and knocks of branches, twigs, and leaves on the roof or walls due to high winds, inspecting and cleaning any obvious debris keeps gutters and downspouts clear.

3. Clean the roof from existing debris

Gutters primarily fill up with debris from the roof that washes down via rain or makes it was down over time via gravity. If you feel up to it, and understand “Roof Safety 101”, you can clean the roof on your own. However, if you aren’t quite sure what to do, your roof is slippery, has steep slopes, or you live in a multi-story home, we highly recommend hiring professional roofing contractors to get the job done the first time.

4. Inspect gutters for rust, leak, holes, and corroded joints

Once the gutters are cleaned, and the downspouts are free and clear evidenced by consistent, full streams of water when you run your hose into the gutter, it’s time to inspect your gutters for any signs of rust, leaks, or holes. You’re most likely to see these at the gutter joints, where metal edges were welded together.

Gutter patching kits are available from your local hardware store, and you’ll also want to caulk and apply a sealant to weak or corroded joints. You may also see areas where the gutter framework has detached from the roof or siding, in which case it needs to be reattached.

5. Don’t forget the downspouts

Inspect the downspouts for rust, leaks, holes or corroded joints the same way you did for the gutters. Repair compromised issues, and replace any downspouts that are beyond repair. Does the runoff pool a little too close to your foundation or walkways for comfort? Take this opportunity to use downspout extenders to provide better drainage.

Conclusion

Your gutters carry the water and debris that washes off the roof, but your downspouts do the rest of the work. Without them, all that water would drain at the base of your home, which can compromise the foundation.