As a homeowner, you understand the importance of keeping your home in good condition, which means a lot more than just keeping it looking pristine. This includes protecting your gutters from storm damage and making sure they function properly during every season.
Indeed, gutters play a crucial role in directing water away from your home. They also prevent water damage to your roof, walls, and foundation. However, during storms, gutters can be easily damaged by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flying debris. But you can be diligent in protecting your gutters from storm damage by doing just a few simple things.
Steps for protecting your gutters from storm damage
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Install gutter guards
– Gutter guards, also known as gutter covers or gutter screens, are designed to keep leaves, twigs, and other debris out of your gutters. This helps prevent clogs, which can cause water to overflow and damage your gutters. Gutter guards also reduce the amount of maintenance you need to do on your gutters, as you won’t have to clean them as often.
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Check your gutters regularly
– Even with gutter guards, it’s important to check your gutters regularly for any damage or clogs. After a storm, inspect your gutters for any signs of damage, such as holes, cracks, or bent sections. If you notice any damage, have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
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Clean your gutters
– Over time, debris can accumulate in your gutters, even with gutter guards. It’s important to clean your gutters regularly to remove any debris and ensure that they are functioning properly. This will help prevent clogs and ensure that water is able to flow freely through your gutters. Remember, each time you clean them or have them cleaned by a professional, you are protecting your gutters from storm damage. That makes it more than worth the cost of a twice-a-year (or more frequent) cleaning.
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Secure your gutters
– Strong winds can cause your gutters to become loose or even detach from your home. To prevent this, you must make sure that your gutters are securely fastened to your home. If your gutters are old or damaged, consider replacing them with sturdier ones that can withstand strong winds. If your house is quite old, chances are there may be better-quality gutters available than those you are presently using. Ask your gutter professionals for suggestions.
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Trim tree branches near your home
– You may not think about how your landscaping impacts your gutters. However, overhanging tree branches can cause damage to your gutters during storms. They can break off and fall into your gutters, causing clogs or even puncturing holes in them. To prevent this, trim any tree branches that are near your home, especially those that are close to your gutters. Protecting your gutters from storm damage means being aware of what can cause problems. Trees can be an easily overlooked culprit!
DIY or hire a professional?
By following these tips, you can help protect your gutters from storm damage and keep them functioning properly. This will help you avoid water damage to your home and ensure that your gutters are able to effectively direct water away from where problems could occur. Regular maintenance and upkeep of your gutters will help prolong their lifespan and keep your home safe from water damage.
But do you want to do this yourself? Is this a regular maintenance issue you can handle? Or is it better left to someone who’s more experienced in gutter maintenance?
For many homeowners, hiring a gutter company is a no-brainer. Gutters aren’t easy to reach. That means you’ll be climbing ladders to access them in order to clean or inspect them. Furthermore, most homeowners really don’t know how to detect cracks, leaks, and other problems with their gutters. A small hole or a tiny fissure can easily go unnoticed if you’re not attuned to the usual issues with gutters.
For most, opting to hire a gutter expert is the answer, especially if climbing or outdoor maintenance isn’t your thing.
But when should my gutters be inspected?
Most homeowners have their gutters inspected at least once a year, but doing it at least twice is paramount in protecting your gutters from storm damage. Whether you’re concerned about summer rainstorms or winter snow events, know that a thorough inspection can detect damage from either.
At Advantage Gutters, our experienced staff knows how to keep your gutters damage-free. By scheduling regular inspections and maintenance, we can keep your gutters clean and free of clogs. We’ll make sure they’re secure and recommend any steps you should take to keep them functioning properly.
To schedule a gutter cleaning or inspection or to chat about replacing your gutters, call us at 604-514-9886.