Fall Gutter Care

Here are some helpful tips for cleaning out your gutters this fall:

1. Why Clean Gutters in the Fall?
Completing the task of clearing out your gutters is especially important now, in the fall, because free-flowing gutters help your roof move ice-melt away from the gables, where it might otherwise lead to ice dams. Ice dams often occur when trapped ice melts then rapidly freezes again, creeping up under shingles and into the sensitive underlayment materials below. Ice dams are infamous for causing considerable damage and debris in your gutters can exasperate the problem.

2. Don't Forget the Downspouts!
Downspouts are just as important as the gutters themselves, as they’re designed to lead water away from both your home’s foundation as well as its more sensitive wooden elements. If a downspout becomes clogged with debris, it won’t be able to redirect water and snow-melt fast enough to keep it from leaking into your home. Check the area where a downspout exits from the bottom to the gutter for loose or missing rivets, replacing any problem areas with new rivets. Improperly attached downspouts can damage siding if they tear loose.

3. Re-secure Gutters and Downspouts:
Water and ice can be heavy, so make sure your gutters are securely attached through the fascia board to the rafter behind it using the appropriate hardware. Neglected gutters clogged with ice and rotting vegetation have been known to tear loose from their moorings, damaging houses and even injuring persons, pets, or property located below.

4. I Finished Cleaning My Gutters, Now What?
Once your gutter cleaning duties are finished, grab an umbrella and go outside on the next rainy day to check for overflows, blockages, or other problem areas. Hopefully, you won’t find any! For professional help with cleaning or repairing your gutters, contact the roofing experts at Slaughter Roofing and C&S Gutters here in Greeley.