How to Prepare Your Gutters for Winter

Maintaining clean and functional gutters is important any time of year, but becomes particularly crucial as the weather grows colder. Blocked or damaged gutters can cause considerable damage over the winter, representing hundreds or thousands of dollars in repair costs.
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Fortunately, with a few simple steps and little to no money, homeowners can take a few simple steps during the fall months to ensure they enjoy the benefits of their gutters all winter long.

Why Is Gutter Maintenance Important?

Keeping gutters clean and in good repair prevents an array of problems down the road, including:

• Exterior damage. Built-up water has to go somewhere, which is usually right back onto the home. When gutters don’t work as intended, they push water toward siding, roofs, and wood trim, often creating significant water damage, mildew, and mold.
• Leaks. Water not redirected away from the house is likely to come inside, dripping from walls, ceilings, and windows. The repercussions for interior components such as plaster, lighting fixtures, carpet, and flooring can require costly and challenging repairs.
• Ice dams. When precipitation mixes with cold air in clogged gutters, ice dams become the inevitable result. These hard, heavy blockages wreak havoc on homes once the spring thaw begins, exacerbating the effects the accumulated debris have already caused.

Gutter Maintenance Tasks Homeowners Should Complete Every Fall

Each year, homeowners take the changing leaves as a cue to begin preparing for winter. If gutter cleaning and maintenance isn’t already on your checklist, now is the perfect time to add it.

Thorough and effective methods for keeping gutters working properly over the next several months include:

• Clear debris from gutters. Whether the work is performed by you or a professional, gutters should be free from leaves, twigs, and other obstructions before the first snowfall. This prevents blockages and creates a smoother flow of storm water through gutters and away from your home.
• Inspect downspouts. Downspouts should divert water a minimum of 3 feet from the home’s foundation to prevent leaking, seepage, and water damage. Mild autumn days are the perfect time to make necessary adjustments to downspouts before winter hits.
• Secure gutters and downspouts. If these structures are loose, one storm with heavy winds, snow, or rain could tear them away from the home completely. Test downspouts and gutters to ensure they are adequately fastened to the home.
• Clear downspout blockages. Due to their enclosed nature, detecting blockages in downspouts can be more challenging than in gutters. The best way to do this is to insert a water hose at the top, then watch to see if water runs through. To clear a blockage, seal off the top of the downspout with rags while continuing to run water through the hose. A plumbing snake works in tight areas where this method won’t.

At Colorado Seamless Gutters, we are committed to providing the highest quality gutters. Whether you are looking to clean, repair, or install new gutters before winter begins, now is the time to schedule a free consultation.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you keep your home in optimal condition this fall!