Mini-Guide for Gutter Maintenance for each Season of the year

It is very common to underestimate the importance of keeping gutters in excellent condition all year long as a crucial part of a home's structural integrity. Seasons have a crucial impact on gutters and can cause damages that are sometimes irreparable. And this is what very few people know about gutters: they play an essential role in supporting the maintenance of the house. If you are a homeowner and you wish less unexpected costs and bad surprises in the long term, take care of your gutters and let them take care of your house. By channeling rainwater away from the house, gutters help prevent water damage to the roof, siding, windows, doors, and landscaping. Water infiltration can cause rot, mold growth, and deterioration of building materials, which can be costly to repair.

Regular maintenance is the secret of healthy gutters and therefore, a healthy home. But how often should you clean the gutters to ensure they can function effectively? We will give you two different tips: the first one are advice based on the trees that are around your gutters and the second one is seasonal checks you can do to ensure your gutters are properly maintained and to have complete peace of mind.

THE TREES SURROUNDING THE PROPERTY IMPACT THE FREQUENCY OF GUTTER CLEANINGS

Let's break it down based on tree types so you can better identify the cleaning frequency of your gutters:

Pine Trees:
they are known for the constant shedding of pine needles throughout the year. If your property has pine trees, it is recommended to clean your gutters two or three times a year to prevent obstructions and potential damage to the home's structure due to poor gutter drainage. You can also choose to add specific gutter filters that will reduce the entry of needles into the gutters; however, needles are very thin and almost always make their way inside. Therefore, having filters typically only results in a reduction in the frequency of yearly cleanings, rather than replacing filters for cleanings.

Oak Trees:
these trees primarily lose their leaves in the fall season. For homes located among these spectacular trees, annual maintenance after fall is necessary to keep the gutters clear of debris and ensure proper water flow.

BIG MISTAKE: I HAVE NO TREES, I DON’T NEED GUTTER CLEANINGS

Most people believe that gutter maintenance is not needed in the absence of trees. However, even if your property lacks trees, cleaning is still necessary, why? Over time, natural wear and tear and general weather factors cause debris to accumulate, regardless of the presence of trees. In addition, the shingle shaving of the roof creates a very thick dirt that clogs gutters.

We have seen customers who have neglected this aspect for years, and discovered gutters where trees were growing and gutters were falling off! When debris accumulates in the winter seasons, ice dams can occur. The consequences can be even worse: neglected gutters can turn into a significant problem, this is why we recommend cleaning gutters every three to five years, taking into account the age and type of shingles.

SEASONAL GUIDE THROUGH EACH TIME OF THE YEAR

Spring:
As nature is growing, you must ensure that no branches interfere with your gutters: trim overhanging branches that hang over the roof to prevent leaves and debris from falling into the gutters. During heavy rainy days, it's important to check for leaks to prevent any potential problems and to arrange for repairs promptly. Anticipating and addressing issues early is preferable to avoiding them and having to deal with a larger problem later. Your wallet will thank you for taking proactive measures.

Summer:
Wildlife activity peaks during this season, so we recommend conducting a pest check if you notice significant activity near your gutters. Good examples are bird nests, insect infestations, or the presence of squirrels. Summer is an ideal time to take appropriate measures to address those potential issues rapidly to avoid big consequences. If you were considering gutter guards, summer is an ideal season to do it to help prevent debris buildup and reduce the need for frequent cleanings. Monitoring water flow is a habit that we recommend also doing in summer, during heavy rainstorms: observe how water flows through the gutters and downspouts to ensure they are functioning properly.

Fall:
Essential annual cleaning has to happen in the fall. The best is to be faster than everyone else and choose the first month or day of fall! Most people usually wait until the end of fall or mid-fall to do so, but rains arrive first and Cloggs produce damages: the cleaning becomes a repair and the cost increases! If your gutters are not too full of leaves, don’t forget about the downspouts! Fall is the perfect season to call professionals to flush the downspouts with water to dislodge any debris and ensure proper drainage. It is also advisable to inspect for leaks and trim trees. Preparing for winter is essential to avoid ice dams. Rosales Gutters can also conduct an inspection and advise you on how best to prepare for winter in your particular home with a bespoke inspection.

Winter:
If you did your due diligence all year long, winter should be a very peaceful season to enjoy with your family and friends. You can monitor for ice dams, remove snow buildup, clear any ice dams that form, inspect gutters after storms, and schedule post-winter maintenance to ensure the gutters remain in good condition throughout the year. Here is a shocking fact for you: for every foot of snow in your gutters, the weight is equivalent to three pounds per foot. Can you imagine the strain of a hundred feet of snow? A surprising load of nearly 300 pounds, hanging from your gutters in the winter season. To conclude, regular gutter maintenance is key. That's why you should contact the experts. Check your property and make sure you're on time for your next cleaning. You wouldn't want to incur additional costs to repair the damages caused by neglecting your home.

Thank you for reading our blog! Rosales Gutters Team is at your disposal for any questions.