Gutter maintenance may not be the most glamorous home project, but it’s one of the most important. After all, your gutter system plays a vital role in protecting your home from water damage by channeling rainwater and melting snow away from your roof, walls, and foundation. If your gutters are neglected for too long, they can develop clogs, leaks, and structural issues.
Fall is an especially crucial time to stay on top of gutter care. This is because leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other seasonal debris can pile up faster than you realize. Add in autumn rains and the first frost of winter, and your gutters have a big job to do.
To keep your gutters functioning properly as the weather turns crisp, follow our fall gutter checklist below!
1. Clean Out Leaves and Debris
The most essential task on your fall checklist is to give your gutters and downspouts a complete and thorough cleaning. Even a small amount of organic buildup can block water flow, leading to overflow and potential water damage. The decaying matter can also trap moisture, making your gutters the perfect place for pests, mold, and mildew to grow. With this in mind, you may need to clean out your gutters two or more times during the season, especially if you have lots of trees on your property.
While you can safely handle cleaning the downspouts on your gutters yourself, it’s best to rely on the help of a professional when it comes to cleaning the rest of the system. Let our experts at American Chimney Gutter & Roofing handle all of your gutter cleaning services this fall. In addition to removing large fall debris, we will flush the entire system to clear out smaller, lingering particles.
2. Inspect for Leaks and Damage
With your gutters now clean and clear, it’s the perfect time to perform a detailed inspection. Carefully check the entire system for any signs of damage. Look for cracks, holes, or areas with rust and corrosion, especially if you have older, galvanized steel gutters. Pay close attention to the seams where gutter sections are joined, as these are common failure points.
Be sure to also check the hangers or fasteners that secure the gutters to the fascia board. Are they all secure? Or are some loose, bent, or missing? Sagging gutters are a clear sign that the fasteners are failing.
If you find any problems with your gutter system, call AmericanCGR for timely and expert gutter repair services in Marietta, GA, or one of the surrounding areas. As we fix the problematic area, we can keep an eye out for further concerns that may affect the rest of your fall gutter maintenance.
3. Check the Gutter Pitch
For water to flow properly, gutters must have a very slight downward slope toward the downspouts. This is known as the pitch. The ideal pitch is a drop of about a quarter to a half-inch for every 10 feet of gutter. If you noticed standing water in your gutters after flushing them, it’s a strong indicator that the pitch is incorrect.
While a visual inspection can sometimes reveal an improper slope, a level can give you a more accurate reading. If the pitch is off, you may be able to make a simple adjustment yourself by tightening the gutter hangers. However, if this doesn’t resolve your gutter’s pitch problem, you will want to hire a professional roofer to provide proper repairs.
4. Install Gutter Guards
Once your gutters are clean and working properly, consider adding gutter covers to reduce future maintenance. Fall leaves are one of the biggest culprits of clogged gutters, and installing protective covers now can save you time and effort year after year.
The best gutter guards allow water to flow into the system while blocking leaves, twigs, and larger debris from settling inside. If you’re not sure which type of gutter protection is right for your home, our professionals can help you weigh the pros and cons of mesh guards, screen covers, or reverse-curve systems.
5. Trim Overhanging Branches
The final task on your fall gutter checklist is one that will pay dividends in the long term. Look at the trees surrounding your home. Are there any branches hanging directly over your roof and gutters? If so, now is the time to trim them back.
Removing these overhanging limbs will significantly reduce the amount of leaves and twigs that fall directly into your gutter system, not only this fall but for seasons to come. It also helps prevent larger branches from breaking off during a storm and damaging your roof or gutters.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Fall Gutter Maintenance? Call the Experts!
If the idea of climbing a ladder and maintaining your home’s gutter system seems overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. For homeowners in the greater Marietta area, our experts at American Chimney Gutter & Roofing are here to help.
We offer routine gutter cleaning services to save you the time and risk of doing it yourself. We also install high-quality gutter covers and gutter and roofing repairs to ensure your system is ready to protect your home from the effects of fall. Contact our friendly office staff today to get started!
