Winter snows and sleet, high winds and freezing temperature take their toll on your gutters. Come spring, your gutters need to be in optimal condition to protect your home, landscaping, and foundation from water damage and flooding. That means you should have your gutters cleaned, inspected and repaired before the spring thaw and rains hit. Here’s how you can protect your home from water damage caused by failing gutters this spring.
Start with a gutter cleaning
Before you do anything with your gutters, you need to clear away any debris that’s collected in the gutters since your last cleaning. Removing debris from your gutters allows water to flow through the gutters to the downspout. Blockages will cause overflowing gutters which can cause damage to your ceilings. Clearing your gutters will also help you to identify any damage that could cause gutter leaks or water damage. Effectively cleaning your gutters requires some work on your part. You will have to climb a ladder — being careful not to rest the ladder on the gutter — and muck out any debris with gloved hands or a specialized gutter scoop. To make gutter cleaning easier, hook a bucket to your ladder as you work to easily dispose of debris.
Inspect your gutters
Once the gutters have been cleared of debris, it’s time to inspect them for any damage that could have occurred during the winter months. Stand back and inspect your gutters; be sure they are securely attached to your roofline and aren’t sagging away. Next, circle your home, looking for cracks or holes in the gutters and for water damage. Signs of water damage would include peeling paint or siding, discoloration down the side of your home or washed out landscaping. A great way to be sure your gutters are working is to step outside when it’s raining. As the rain falls, walk around your home to see if you can spot any areas that water is leaking or overflowing from your gutters.
Undertake repairs or improvements
If you notice any problems with your gutters, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible, especially before spring brings heavier precipitation! Ignoring damaged rain gutters can lead to water damage on your home’s exterior or underneath your roofline. It can even lead to basement flooding and foundation damage. Spring is also a great time to plan for any gutter repairs by replacing old, unsightly gutters or installing gutter guards to keep debris out and prevent you from cleaning them out as often.
If you don’t want to clean those pesky gutters anymore, call The Gutterman of TN to schedule an appointment right away! We can repair or replace your gutters before any damage happens. Or, if you’re ready to replace your gutters or install gutter guards, The Gutterman of TN can have your new gutters ready for spring.