Fallen Michigan has beautiful colors, but it also has falling leaves that can clog gutters. Proper gutter maintenance is essential to protecting your home from water damage. If your gutters aren’t clean and functioning well you could end up with a costly repair. We have a guide that can help you prepare your gutters for the fall in Michigan.
Inspect your gutters
Before you start, check your gutters for damage, rust or any cracks. If they’re loose or sagging, tighten them or replace brackets.
Remove debris
Clean out your leaves, twigs, and other debris that are from the gutters. Use a gutter scoop or a glove to ensure they are completely clean.
Check your downspout
Make sure that the downspouts are clear of debris. A clogged downspout can cause water to back up and overflow from the gutters.
Flush the gutters
After cleaning or clearing the debris, flush your gutters with water using a garden hose. This ensures that they’re draining properly and removes leftover grime. You can also use your garden hose, the speed wash or rinse cycle.
Install gutter guards
Gutter guards prevent leaves in debris from clogging your gutters. Installing them can reduce your need for frequent gutter cleaning in the fall.
Check the gutter slope
Gutters should have a slight slope towards the downspouts. If they are not draining, adjust the slope to improve the water flow.
Inspect leaks
Check for any leaks in your gutters by watching for water dripping from the seams or joints during the flushing process.
Seal gutter seams
If you notice leaks, apply gutter, sealant to seams and joints. That will help you prevent water from escaping and causing damage.
Reinforced loose sections
Overtime gutters brackets can get loose. Tighten them up or replace the brackets that aren’t secure and holding the gutters in place.
Trim overhang, branches
Falling leaves are a big issue in the fall. Trimming branches near the roof to minimize leaf buildup in the gutters.
Consider professional gutter cleaning
If the gutters are hard to reach or heavily clogged, consider hiring a professional gutter cleaning service, it can be safe and effective option. And right now all gutter cleaning companies are running specials at the end of the season.
Check the roof
While you’re working on your gutters inspector roof for any damage. This could be looking for loose shingles that can contribute to debris in the gutters. So it might be wise to check your roofing.
Schedule regular cleaning
Plan to clean your gutters at least twice during the fall. A little maintenance now prevents larger issues later.
Make sure that you are using a ladder safely
Always use a sturdy ladder when cleaning the gutters. And sure it’s in a place on a flat surface and never overreach while cleaning.
While you’re up on the ladder check for pests
Look for signs of pests, like birds or rodents, that might be nesting in your gutters remove the nest you find.
Prepare for the winter
After you clean the gutters and they are clean, prepare for winter by checking your downspouts as they are properly directed away from your home foundation.
Preparing your gutters for the fall in Michigan is crucial to avoiding costly water damage and repair. Regularly inspecting, cleaning and maintaining your gutters, you will protect your home throughout the colder months. It’s a simple but important test that will save your time and money in the long run.