Dos and Don’ts of Gutters in the Wintertime

Your gutters are one of the less glamorous parts of your home or office. People simply don’t pay them too much mind for the most part—that is, until their foundation is experiencing water damage as rain cascades over the edges.

Gutter maintenance for winter is even more critical than standard care—even though we don’t have the winds and snow here in Florida that other places regularly experience, our winters are not without danger to your gutter system (and, as a result, to your home). Read on for some tips about what you should and shouldn’t be doing with your gutters as winter starts to pick up steam.

DO keep your gutters clear of debris

Gutters are remarkably simple devices that function very well if even the most basic of regular maintenance is performed, and gutter maintenance for winter doesn’t get any simpler than keeping them cleared out. If you live in a one-story home, it can be a relatively simple task to get the ladder out, grab some gloves and a bucket and get to work clearing out all of the old leaves, sticks and needles. However, if your home or business building is taller, or if you’re just not great with heights, it can be a good idea to hire a professional to perform this work.

DON’T forget the downspouts

Many people who clear out their gutters on their own probably don’t give as much thought to their downspouts. They’ve cleared out the visible debris, so the job is done, right? Wrong. Cleaning out your downspouts is just as important, if not more so, than cleaning out the gutters themselves.

If the downspouts are still plugged up, all of your gutter maintenance for winter might have been for naught. The obstructed downspouts will still ensure the water has nowhere to go and the gutters will continue to overflow in heavy tropical rains. It’s best to use a hose or a leaf blower to clear out downspouts and ensure they’re kept clear.

DO check your gutters for damage

A big part of caring for your gutters in the winter is using that time to check them for potential damage. This can take many forms—start by making sure all of the seams are properly sealed and attached, because leaks from these spots can cause serious damage down your siding and into your foundation.

Next, check for any holes you can see. These can cause slow leaks that can lead to similar damage, so patch them up with gutter sealant or even flashing. Rust is a different issue—it could mean that your gutters are on their last legs, and either that section or the entire gutter system might need replacing soon.

If you’re doing your gutter maintenance for winter and spot some issues that you think a professional should really take a look at, it’s time to call the team at Gutter Master. We have more than 30 years of experience working with satisfied customers, so get in touch with us today and put us to work for you!

Categorised in: Gutter Maintenance

This post was written by Writer