An important yet often overlooked spring cleaning task for the exterior of your home is inspecting your gutter system for the upcoming seasons and their elements and making sure it is in proper working order.
A properly functioning gutter system protects your home’s roof, walls, foundation, and landscape from water damage. Water can back up and damage your roof, fascia, soffit, and siding when gutters and downspouts are obstructed or damaged. It can also lead to but is not limited to mold growth, roof leaks, water damage to the interior or exterior of your home, and sagging gutters.
In short, neglecting the seasonal maintenance of your gutter system can lead to costly repairs in the future. But, with our Gutter Spring Cleaning Checklist, you can enter the warmer seasons with peace of mind.
Clean Your Gutters
Since a properly functioning gutter system protects your home and its foundation from water damage, this chore is a necessary part of spring cleaning – remember to keep an eye out for these six common spring gutter problems. Performing routine maintenance also helps prolong the life of your gutter system and avoid costly repairs.
Clean out sticks, leaves, mud, and any other debris. Leaves, sticks, and other falling debris from windy storms can collect in the gutter systems during the winter months – make sure these are cleared away before spring and summer.
Debris-filled gutters also make a perfect home for rodents and other pests. Critters and insects look for new homes during the spring, and they all love nesting in clogged gutters. From there, they may eventually find their way inside your house.
To cut down or eliminate your gutter cleaning time, we strongly suggest investing in installing gutter guards.
Inspect Your Gutters
While cleaning out the debris, keep an eye out for damage such as cracks or leaks. Early spring is the perfect time to ensure there was no damage done to seals or fasteners by ice and snow or heavy wind gusts during the winter months.
Ensure water flows freely through the system and note any obstructions such as nests and clumps of mud.If you find any holes, corrosion, sagging sections, loose, bent, or missing fasteners, schedule an inspection to discuss potential repairs or a system replacement.
Examine Your Fascia
Take a look at the fascia board around your house and note any sagging or bowing. This may indicate that your fascia is damaged. To determine whether any repairs are necessary, schedule a professional inspection.
Check Neighboring Trees
Examine the trees surrounding your home to ensure there aren’t any limbs touching your roof or gutter system. Limbs that are touching or are too close to the gutters can cause damage if they break or are blown into the gutter system by a windy spring storm.
Be sure to also check out our Roof Spring Cleaning Checklist! If you need gutters, gutter guards, repairs, or a replacement – or if you are unsure and would like a professional look and opinion – schedule an appointment today.
