Your Gutter Needs Spring Cleaning, Too: Preparing Gutters for the Spring Rain
Spring is round the idiomatic corner—by mid-March, the weather will begin to warm and the icy ground will begin to thaw, all signs that spring is nearly upon us. The season marks flowers blooming, animals coming out of hibernation, and the weather becoming sunnier.
It also means spring showers and, sometimes, heavy rain. With your property just having gone through the harsh effects of winter, it requires some work to protect it from damage that heavy spring rain may bring.
Preventive maintenance of your roof and gutter system ensures that they’re ready to protect your home from any damage brought by rain. If you’re not sure where to begin, our metal roof specialists at Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters are happy to give you tips on how to prepare your gutters for the spring rain.
Spring Maintenance for Your Gutter
Your gutter is your first line of defense against the rain. It catches rainwater sliding off the roof and redirects it to a designated location, preventing water from leaking into your interior and creating costly damage. Your gutter system also prevents mildew and mold from forming inside your house, making your home more comfortable.
When gutters aren’t working properly, the leaks can damage your home through soil erosion, which results in damage to the foundation of the property. When not properly maintained, the gutter itself will sag or warp, affecting the appearance of your home.
Checking Your Gutter System
Before spring starts, do a visual check of your roof and gutter system to identify issues such as:
- Accumulated Debris: The winter weather could have caused dirt and grime to accumulate in your gutter.
- Leaks: Excessive snowfall and ice that collected on your roof over winter can corrode, crack, bend, or cause your gutter to sag.
- Overhanging Trees: Any branches from overhanging trees can damage your roof and cause gutter clogs.
- Security: Gently tug on your gutter to make sure it doesn’t move. The gutter should be tightly secured to the side of your home so that it doesn’t come loose during a torrential downpour.
While you can check for issues on your own, using a ladder to do a visual check, safety is always a consideration. For safety purposes, and so that you get a thorough assessment, you may want to hire specialists to do a complete inspection of your roof and gutter system, instead.
Spring Cleaning Your Gutters
Once you’ve identified the issues of your gutters, it’s time to conduct preventative maintenance on them.
Clean Out Debris
Head up your roof to remove foreign objects like branches, pine needles, sticks, and other forms of debris. Again, for your safety and a more efficient cleaning process, hire a professional to clean the debris and trim overhanging trees, as necessary.
Upgrade Your Roofing System
If your roof and gutter look worse for the wear, it’s time to replace them. Choose metal roofs since they can withstand harsh conditions, from heavy rain to hail. It is also a more cost-efficient option, in the long run, since it typically can last from 30 to 50 years with minimal maintenance.
Upgrade Your Gutter and Roofing System Before the Spring Showers
Upgrade your roofing system and get seamless gutter protection before the start of spring rains. At Bruce Andrews Seamless Gutters, our team of installers gets the work done without disrupting your daily activities at home.
To get a free quote and assessment, call us at 877-594-7449.
