Winter brings about heavy rain, snow, and ice. All these factors require that you prepare your home adequately. Rain and snow can cause damage to the roof, walls, and even the basement if your home isn’t waterproofed correctly. One way of protecting your home from water damage is installing gutters.
Your gutters are your first line of defense against winterizing. When snow and moisture accumulate, ice can form on the channels and weaken them in the process. That is why you need good seamless gutter companies to supply sturdy drains that can withstand the harsh elements in winter. However, that is not all you have to do to prepare your gutters for winter. Here’s a simple guide that you should follow when preparing for winter:
Remove leaves and debris from your gutters
It is always essential to keep your gutters clean in the fall and winter. Check for any leaves or debris and remove them altogether. During winter, expect lots of snow on your roof; other kinds of waste can add more weight. If not cleaned on time, the weight of snow and debris can cause the gutters to detach and fall. Follow recommended gutter-cleaning tips to remove dirt where it tends to accumulate and leave your gutters ready for winter.
Inspect the gutters for wear and tear
Ensure there are no cracks or disjointed corners on your gutters before winter. Seal any cracks and fasten loose areas that could cause water to leak into your house and cause damage on the exterior or interior site. Check the downspout for weaknesses and holes that could lead to water gushing out and falling on the walls. Look for any signs of rust or corrosion and determine if your gutters are strong enough to withstand the weight of the snow.
Check for structural damage
Inspect your siding, foundation, fascia, or shingles for any sign of rotting or structural damage. Spray water on your roof on a bright warm day and check for signs of leakage. Check areas where the chimney meets the roof to ensure that they are adequately sealed. Structural damage on other areas of your property can cause the gutters to misalign or get damaged during harsh weather. Repairing them early allows for better water flow.
Maintaining gutters in your home can be a demanding and dangerous task. Make sure to use the right tools when inspecting damages. You should also have some knowledge with regards to the signs that you should watch out for. Once you find any blockage, you should have a way of repairing the damage and ensuring that your gutters and downspout are working as they are required.
In the end, when preparing your gutters for winter, don’t hesitate to check other areas of your property for any factors that can hinder the drainage system. Your roof or walls might need repairs to withstand winter too. If you don’t have enough knowledge in the identification and repair of these issues, consider getting in touch with a professional.
