Fall Gutter Maintenance 101: Everything You Need to Know

When fall approaches, trees lose their leaves. Some leaves end up on the ground, and some land on the sidewalk. Some will fall into your gutters and clog the waterways. When water gets stuck in your gutters, it can freeze during the winter months. Any water remaining from melted ice will leak into your roof and cause water damage. Fall maintenance is vital to reducing gutter clutter.

Here is what you need to know about fall gutter cleaning and maintenance.

How to tell if your gutters need cleaning

Leaves and branches that stick out are one clear sign that your gutters are full. Leaves and debris that clog your gutters cause water to trickle out slowly rather than flow. If you see these signs, it's best to call a professional.

Another way to check for clogged gutters is to look for leaf piles inside them. You should also check for leaf accumulation along the edges of your roof. If you see a bunch of leaves there, it's time to get your gutters cleaned.

It's not always easy to tell if your gutters are clogged. Your best bet in determining the health of your gutters is to call a professional. They can inspect for damage and tell you if you need to get fall gutter maintenance done.

Keeping your gutters clean

You should clean your gutters twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. This gives you a chance to prepare for the upcoming weather. But the best time to clean them is in the early fall. This will reduce gutter clutter and keep your water running smoothly.

Like pipes, frozen gutters are no fun. When your gutters are clogged, water builds up. This water buildup turns into ice and snow, which expands. When this happens, your gutters will pull open and come apart at the seams. The weight from frozen water will cause your gutters to pull away from the wall.

Invest in gutter guards or gutter filters

Good debris protection means less seasonal cleaning for your gutters. Good gutter guards protect your gutters from being clogged with leaf piles, branches, and pine needles. Gutter Helmet offers a gutter protection system that reduces leaf and debris accumulation. You'll minimize the likelihood of pipe freezes and roof leaks. Plus, you'll reduce the possibility of mold and mildew growth from water damage.

Gutter filters are more porous than gutter guards because they allow water to flow freely. The filters prevent clogs by separating the debris from the water. This gives you good protection and reduces the amount of time spent on gutter cleaning.

Good gutter protection helps, but it can't cure gutter clogs. You will still need occasional gutter cleaning to keep your water flowing properly. Tiny branches, pine needles, and leaves can sneak in. So can mold. You should get your gutters cleaned a minimum of once every two years.

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