Gutter Preparation in 3 Ways for Fall
Gutter Preparation in 3 Ways for Fall
Fall is an important time for gutters. Not only will they be leading rainwater away from a house, but they’ll also collect falling leaves and branches, and even act as a shelter for hibernating critters. This can weaken or break them, leaving your home unguarded from future weather patterns. Review the guide below to know how you and a gutters contractor can get your spouts ready for the fall.
How to Get Gutters Ready
1. Do a Thorough Cleaning Now
Cleaning your gutters now is a good way to protect the roof from an accident later. Gutters can capture a lot of debris and moisture in a single season. But if it isn’t cleaned out before the next season, the spout will get too clogged to flush anything out. This leaves water from the next rainstorm with nowhere else to go but the roof. The excess moisture will rot the surface and grow hazardous mold, weakening the top of the house.
If you aren’t comfortable using a ladder or walking on the roof, contact a gutters contractor. They can help clear the spouts and inspect the roof to make sure it hasn’t suffered any damage.
2. Use Repellents
During the fall, rodents and insects will be looking for shelter from the cold. Gutters can be a perfect hiding spot for most pests, but this will be very unsafe for your home. If they build nests for hibernation, the spouts won’t be strong enough to support them all season, and they may break off. In some cases, the animals will take the opportunity to look for any other crevices around the house and try to sneak in through holes in the siding or roof. Contact a gutters contractor to make sure the pipes are secure for the season, and place insect and rodent repellents around the top and bottom spouts to keep critters away.
3. Trim Trees
When the weather gets colder, trees will stay healthy by shedding unnecessary branches, leaves, and seeds. However, if the trees in your yard overlook the house, that waste can fall into the gutters and clog them. Trimming trees now can be very beneficial: not only will the pipes be safe, but pruning a dormant tree can protect it from catching and spreading disease during the winter. It will be even healthier when spring arrives!