After the winter, when you are getting your home ready for spring, one of the important jobs you don’t want to neglect is your gutter preparation and maintenance. Spring showers bring May flowers, but they can also be problematic for your gutter system. Below are a few of the most important things you will want to do when prepping your gutters.
Clean the Accumulated Debris
Over the winter, and likely even from last fall, your gutters have started to accumulate quite a bit of debris. This will typically be leaves, twigs, dirt, and the like. The gunk might also include dead insects or other types of dead pests.
When the gutters have a lot of debris in them and they are clogged, they can’t do their job of moving water off the roof and away from your home. It could end up causing damage to the roof or the siding.
Prune Nearby Trees
What is it that allows all of these leaves, twigs, etc. to get into the gutters in the first place? Some of it might come from the wind blowing leaves onto your roof. However, a lot of times, it is because there are nearby trees that are hanging over the gutters and the roof.
This is a problem for a couple of reasons. First, it means that more leaves are going to end up on the roof and in the gutters. Second, if the branch falls, it could damage the gutter system. Take the time to prune the trees.
Check for and Fix Damage to the Gutters
As you are getting ready for the rain, check to see whether there is any damage to the gutters. The anchors could have come loose, or part of them might have fallen away entirely. They will need to be repaired or replaced.
Get Some Help
Sometimes, you might not feel entirely comfortable clambering up onto your roof on a ladder to handle your gutter issues. This is entirely understandable. It can be a lot of work, and if you aren’t careful, it has the potential to be dangerous.
Instead of trying to do it on your own, you will find that it’s generally a better solution to have someone who can help with your gutter maintenance, repair, or replacement. It can make your life quite a bit easier.
For all of your home’s exterior needs, work with our team at Stanley Exteriors. We offer free estimates and decades of experience working with homeowners throughout the area. Let’s make sure your home recovers from winter and is ready for a new season.
