Care For Your Gutters Before the Snow Flies
Homeowners know that every season there is a new list of things to do to care for their home in order to keep it in good shape. In the summer, landscaping tasks rule the list. Raking leaves is a top chore for fall and the list grows even more in the winter. From maintaining the home’s heating system to cleaning and prepping the fireplace for use, the list is somewhat involved.
One item that may accidentally get left off your list but is equally essential is the cleaning and maintaining of your gutters before the first snow flies. Let’s take a closer look at the purpose of the gutter system protecting your home as well as steps you can take to make sure it is cared for before the winter weather truly begins.
What is the Purpose of a Gutter System?
For those new to homeownership, gutters may just seem like an aesthetic addition to a home, a decorative factor that wraps around the border of a home, rather than a critical component of the exterior of the home.
Experienced homeowners know that rainwater that hits the roof needs to be guided off the surface and away from the structure’s foundation to ensure the health of the foundation and prevent issues such as frozen ice dams, water damage, the growth of mold, and a place where pests can take refuge.
Without a fully functioning and well-maintained gutter system homes are at risk of foundation leaks in the basement, erosion of the foundation, ice dam build-up on the roof during the cold winter months, erosion of landscaping, and clogs caused by leaves, debris, and nesting material. Year-round care of gutters can assist with water management around the exterior of your home.
How To Care for Your Gutters
Gutters, much like roofs, may seem a little out of reach for most homeowners, but cleaning them and caring for these components can prevent damage to your home throughout the year.
While there are many different types and styles of gutters, they all seem to accumulate debris of some sort throughout the year that can cause clogs and stop the main function of whisking the water away from your structure. In the fall, gutters tend to get clogged with leaves, pine needles, broken branches, and sometimes nesting materials of wildlife such as squirrels, birds, and mice.
These clogs need to be cleaned out to avoid blockages that can further damage your home. Clean out your gutters either by hand, using special equipment, or many opt to use a hose to flush the system of debris. As a warning, if you are unsteady or want to avoid a fall, hire a professional team that can clean the entire system before the snow starts so you will have fully functioning gutters no matter what Old Man Winter decides to throw at you.
In addition to cleaning out the downspouts and water flow areas, it’s a good idea to check that all attachments to your house are secure. Bolts to the home or screws attaching gutters can become loose and cause issues with safety. Be sure your gutter system is properly attached prior to the start of winter each year.
One other check that should be completed in regard to your gutters is making sure the downspouts go far enough away from your home’s foundation. Water is a strong eroder and if it is allowed to puddle right next to your foundation, leaking issues could ensue. For this task, just evaluate whether your downspouts extend far enough away after a rainstorm to be absorbed by your yard rather than leak into your basement.
A Word About Ice Dams
As if winter isn’t tough enough on the roads, New Englanders need to worry about obstructions in their gutters that could contribute to ice dams along the roof line.
An ice dam is typically a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of the roof. This could be due to a lack of adequate insulation or a gutter blockage that prevents water from draining properly. Ice dams can cause water to back up and seep under your shingles and into your house. The weight of the ice and icicles can also cause your gutters to warp and sag.
Proper cleaning and repairs to your gutter system every fall can help prevent this issue from developing.
For more suggestions on maintaining your home and keeping your property healthy for you and your family, visit us again in the new year!