Fall is in full swing, meaning your gutters and downspouts are at risk of becoming clogged with leaves, branches, bird nests and wayward Frisbees.
And while it may be the least glamorous of home improvement jobs, gutter clearing is one of the most important. Without regular checking, clogged or poorly flowing gutters can lead to roof leaks, foundation leaks, rotted framing and mold.
At WoW we know a thing or two about gutters and gutter systems, so here’s what we do to make sure the gutters are flowing at our homes.
1. Commit to regular inspections
Sadly, gutter maintenance isn’t one of those things that can be done once a year. It takes regular maintenance to ensure that debris isn’t secretly building up, waiting to overflow when the next heavy rainfall arrives. Schedule a seasonal inspection (with extra checks in Fall) so you can keep a close eye on your system. And if you’re the type of person who cannot stand the thought of gutter checks, try incentivizing the process and allow yourself a reward at the end of another successful gutter inspection.
2. Prune surrounding trees and vegetation
It’s no surprise that the biggest culprits contributing to the debris in your gutters are usually the trees from your very own property. Regular tree maintenance and pruning can limit the amount of leaves and branches that make their way into your gutters. If possible, we recommend keeping overhanging branches at least 15 feet away from your roofline.
3. Consider rain gutters and leaf guards
If all your maintenance and best efforts still can’t keep the water flowing, it may be time to invest in a better system. A number of new products are available that can help with just about any gutter problem. One such product is a rain gutter, which holds all the water that comes down off the roof and sends it to the nearest downspout to be released away from your house. This prevents water from rotting out your fascia boards or running down the side of the house.
You can also install leaf protection that can help eliminate vegetation and debris from getting clogged in your gutters. Most leaf protection systems are maintenance free, and can almost eliminate the need for seasonal gutter cleaning.
4. Safety at all times
A gutter check inevitably means dragging out the ladder and/or getting on the roof. It’s a job never to do alone. Make sure you’ve got a spotter who can keep an eye on your safety. We also recommend taking your cell phone with you — just incase your ladder decides to leave you stranded.
And if all else fails…
Call in the experts. Windows on Washington can design and install a gutter system, complete with leaf protection, to keep your gutters functioning efficiently and minimize maintenance. As always, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
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