With fall well underway, it is important for homeowners to maintain their gutters. The falling leaves are great to look at, but they also pose a risk for property damage. Fallen leaves and other debris can clog up your gutters, increasing the chance that your gutters will malfunction during the winter.
If gutter damage is a concern for you, break out your fall sweaters and check out this five step guide to proper fall gutter maintenance:
Step One – Safety Precautions.
While fall gutter maintenance is essential to good home maintenance, it can be a dangerous job. You should never perform gutter maintenance without proper glove wear and eye protection.
Additionally, you should always use a standalone ladder while working on your gutter system. Remember, safety should always be your first priority in any fall gutter maintenance.
Step Two – Remove Leaf Debris
Leaf debris are the leading cause of fall gutter damage. Accumulated leaves can prevent water flow, leading to extensive exterior damage to your home.
Neglected leaves can also rot, weighing down your gutters and potentially damaging your whole gutter system. Regularly clear your gutters of leaf debris in the fall, and it will pay off in the winter.
Step Three – Water leak test
After your gutters are clear of debris, you should perform a water leak test. Run a steady stream of water through your gutters. This will reveal any leaking spots within your gutter system. Doing so will notify you of problem areas before they result in extensive damage.
Step Four – Seal Cracks
Once you have identified cracks and leaks, you should seal them as soon as possible. You should be able to address any minor leaks with a quality sealant. However, for more severe damage, you should consult a professional.
Step Five – Consult a Professional
If your gutter system has legitimate damage that should be addressed by a professional, contact a local contractor to ensure your gutters receive quality, cost-efficient maintenance.
Even if you don’t spot any serious problems, it’s always a good idea to get your gutters inspected periodically as a preventative measure. At AROCON Roofing and Construction, we offer gutter tune-up services which includes cleaning, caulking, and tightening your gutters, plus more.
