Spring is on its Way

Spring is a season that brings a lot of changes to the environment as the snow starts to melt, plants begin to grow, and the weather becomes warmer. However, the arrival of spring also means that homeowners need to prepare their homes for the season. One important aspect of home maintenance during spring is preparing the gutters, which are responsible for directing water away from the home, preventing water damage and flooding. Here are some tips on how to prepare your gutters for spring.

1. Clean the Gutters

The first and most important step in preparing your gutters for spring is to clean them thoroughly. Gutters can accumulate a lot of debris over the winter months, including leaves, twigs, and dirt. If left uncleaned, these debris can cause clogging in the gutters, leading to water backup and potential damage to your home. This is a chore that many homeowners may choose to do on their own, but we encourage you to consider hiring a professional for the job.  Falls from ladders are among the most common household injuries, and in many cases they can be serious or even fatal.

2. Inspect the Gutters

After your gutters are cleaned, it is important to inspect them for any damage. The winter weather is especially rough on gutters and the constant freeze and thaw of early spring can cause gutters to loosen and become pitched improperly. Check for any cracks or holes in the gutters, as well as loose or missing parts. If you notice any damage, the affected parts should be repaired or replaced before the spring rains arrive. You can use a silicone caulk to seal any cracks or holes in the gutters. For loose or missing parts, you can tighten the screws or replace the damaged parts. Of course, a professional will likely have more success than the layperson in correcting issues like these!

3. Check the Downspouts

The downspouts are responsible for directing water away from the home. It is important to check the downspouts for any clogs or blockages that can prevent water from flowing through. You can use a garden hose to flush water through the downspouts and check if the water is flowing freely. If the water is not flowing freely, it may be due to a clog or blockage in the downspout. You can use a plumber's snake or a pressure washer to clear the clog or blockage.  Since most people don’t have these tools at home, a professional crew can have downspouts cleared in no time at all.

4. Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are devices that are installed on the gutters to prevent debris from accumulating inside. They are an effective way to reduce the amount of maintenance required for the gutters. Gutter guards come in different types, including mesh screens, foam inserts, and solid covers. Choose the type of gutter guard that best suits your needs and budget.  This is something we can absolutely help you with!

5. Trim Overhanging Trees

Overhanging trees can drop leaves and twigs onto the gutters, causing clogging and blockages. It is important to trim any overhanging trees before the spring season arrives—for your gutters and for the trees themselves. Trimming them before spring in their dormant season can help prevent disease or pests from damaging them. You can hire a professional tree service to do the trimming for you, or you can do it yourself if you have the necessary tools and experience.

6. Clean the Roof

Cleaning the roof is also an important step in preparing the gutters for spring. The roof can accumulate a lot of debris over the winter months, including leaves, twigs, and moss. If left uncleaned, this debris can fall into the gutters and cause clogging and blockages. You can use a roof rake or a leaf blower to remove the debris from the roof, but we encourage you to hire a professional before you climb up on your roof by yourself.  Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs for a reason, and so we don’t recommend spending any more time up on your roof than necessary.

Remember that prepping your gutters for spring is a pretty ambitious undertaking, so it’s likely worth it to hire pros to get the job done quickly, affordably, and safely.  Give us a call today and DanDan the Gutter man will have the job done for you in no time at all!