How to clean your gutters

As the fall season sets in, the vibrant colors of changing leaves are a beautiful sight, but they also bring a yearly task for homeowners: gutter cleaning. Keeping gutters clear of debris during autumn is essential to roof health, preventing issues like water overflow, ice dams, and even potential roof damage as winter approaches. Here’s how you can approach gutter maintenance this fall to protect your home and roof.

1. Schedule a Pre-Fall Inspection

Before you start clearing out gutters, take a few minutes to inspect your gutters and downspouts. Look for signs of wear, sagging, or leaks. If you notice anything unusual, like cracked seams or rust spots, address them early to prevent further damage during the wet season.

2. Clear Out Leaves and Debris Regularly

Fallen leaves are a leading cause of clogged gutters in autumn. Use a small scoop or a gutter trowel to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from your gutters. Be mindful to start at the downspout end and work your way back, ensuring that nothing is left to block water flow.

If you’re not comfortable doing this from a ladder, consider using a hose or a leaf blower with an extension attachment. For safety, always use ladder stabilizers and have someone with you.

3. Flush with Water to Check the Flow

Once the visible debris is cleared, flush the gutters with a garden hose. This helps you spot any clogs or slow-downs in water flow, especially in downspouts. A slow drain could indicate a buildup within the downspout that needs to be removed to prevent overflow during heavy rains or snow melts.

Water overflow in winter often leads to ice dams, where melting snow refreezes at the edge of your roof. Ice dams can cause water to back up under shingles and damage the roof structure, so keeping gutters clear is a preventive step.

4. Install Gutter Guards or Screens

Consider investing in gutter guards or screens to keep large debris, like leaves and twigs, out of the gutters while allowing rainwater to flow through. Gutter guards reduce the frequency of cleaning and minimize the risk of clogs.

5. Trim Overhanging Branches

Trimming back branches that hang over your roof can reduce the number of leaves that end up in your gutters. Plus, it minimizes the risk of broken branches landing on your roof during wind storms, which could cause structural damage. Pruning trees around your home before fall can significantly cut down on gutter buildup.

6. Check Downspouts for Proper Drainage

Even if your gutters are clear, clogged downspouts can cause water backup that overflows into gutters. Make sure downspouts are directing water away from your home's foundation, ideally at least three to four feet away. If they aren’t, use downspout extensions to help keep water from pooling around your foundation.

7. Inspect for Signs of Roof Damage

While cleaning the gutters, take this opportunity to check your roof for any visible signs of damage. Missing or curling shingles, cracks, and soft spots are all issues that can lead to water infiltration. Spotting these signs early can prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs down the line.

8. Set Up a Gutter Cleaning Schedule

Regular maintenance throughout the fall can prevent one big cleanup later. Plan to clean your gutters every 4-6 weeks as leaves continue to drop. This will ensure that your gutters stay clear and ready to handle late-fall rains and snow.

9. Consider Professional Help for Hard-to-Reach Areas

If you have a multi-story home or aren’t comfortable with heights, hiring a professional gutter cleaning service can be worth it. Professionals have the right tools and experience to handle hard-to-reach areas, giving you peace of mind and reducing your risk of injury.

Why Gutter Maintenance Matters for Roof Health

Keeping gutters clean and well-maintained plays a critical role in preserving your roof’s health. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, which can seep under shingles and cause rot. This excess water can freeze during winter, creating ice dams that not only put stress on your roof but can also lead to leaks and structural issues.

By dedicating time each fall to keep your gutters clear, you’re also extending the life of your roof and preventing costly repairs down the line. With just a bit of regular maintenance, your gutters and roof can handle whatever the changing seasons bring, keeping your home safe and dry year-round.

Allied Siding and Roofing is a local family-owned and operated roofing company specializing in James Hardie installation and other exterior needs such as roofing, decking, and porch extensions. We are a James Hardie Elite Preferred company which means we have extensive experience and education in installation and choosing the right products for our customers. If you’re located in the Metro Detroit Area, contact us at (248) 814-2852 or visit our website https://www.buildwithallied.com/ for more information on how we can collaborate on your dream home!