Gutters are an essential part of any home, but can be easy to ignore until something goes wrong. If this happens, you can have a whole host of problems on your hands. However, regular maintenance can help prevent big issues from forming. Here’s why you should think about your gutters before fall:

1. Gutter Maintenance Should Be Part of Your Regular Home Maintenance

Checking and cleaning your gutters shouldn’t just be a fall home maintenance task. There are plenty of regular home maintenance tasks you need to be doing, and gutter maintenance is an important part of that.

Not doing enough maintenance is a home maintenance mistake you should stop making. Cleaning gutters regularly not only allows you to ensure dirt and debris are getting cleared out, but it also gives you a chance to inspect them, too. This can help you catch problems before they cause major damage, saving you money in the long run.

2. They Prevent Water Damage to Your Home

Properly maintained and cleaned gutters are just one way to protect your home from water damage. When your gutters aren’t properly maintained and cleaned, or you only save this task for the fall, your gutters can clog or have issues, and you may experience water damage to your home.

At first, this might not cause much damage, but over time, it can be extensive. You may notice staining on your ceiling or walls, one of the silent signs your home has problems. If you notice any staining, contact a roofing expert to check your roof and gutters.

3. It’ll Prepare Your Gutters For the Fall and Winter

Fall and winter can be hard on your home. Making sure your gutters are cleaned out regularly means they’ll be ready for extra leaves and other debris the fall and winter weather may bring. Cleaning out your gutters is also a great time to check for any damage and to see if everything is working properly.

Check over your gutters to make sure there are no cracks or splits and that they are not sagging anywhere. Also, look over the fasteners to ensure they are in good shape and still securing your gutters properly.

Look over the siding and roof near your gutters as well to make sure there are no signs of leaks or water damage. Issues with the gutters or in these areas can be signs you need to replace your gutters. Catching smaller problems is really helpful in preventing long-term damage to gutters and your home.

4. Gutters Can Help Prevent Basement Flooding

When gutters back up, they don’t do their job of directing water away from your home, including the foundation. When water collects too close to the foundation, it can damage the foundation over time and seep into your basement.

Depending on how much water there is, your basement may even flood. This is one of the biggest reasons gutters and downspouts are important for any home. Gutters that are cleaned out and free of clogs will reduce the risk of basement flooding.

5. It Will Help Protect Your Roof

Gutters that are clogged cause rainwater to overflow, pushing this extra water onto your roof. This water can then get under the shingles and can damage the roof’s soffit and fascia, allowing water to seep into the attic.

If this water damage isn’t caught, it can weaken the integrity of your roof and cause mold growth. Not addressing this water damage and not maintaining or fixing your gutters are some of the ways you may be encouraging mold growth in your home.

Properly installed gutters with downspouts can go a long way in preventing roof damage. Making sure your gutters are cleared out regularly, especially before the fall, can help prevent specific issues like ice dams, a common winter roofing problem.

Replace Your Gutters With Zephyr Thomas

There are a lot of ways bad weather can impact your home. To give your home the best protection, it’s important to use the right materials and keep up with regular maintenance. Gutters and downspouts are an important aspect of protecting your home from water damage. Ignoring gutter maintenance or not replacing your gutters when needed can cause damage to your home.

If your gutters are in good shape, but you’re tired of cleaning them out all the time, consider installing gutter guards. Gutter guards are custom-fitted to cover your gutters. They are designed to keep debris out while still directing water away from your home.

They’re practically invisible, so they won’t interfere with your home’s exterior or curb appeal (and could help increase home value). Plus, they can extend the life of your gutters while decreasing the amount of maintenance you need to do. These are some of the benefits of gutter guards to consider as you evaluate whether they are right for you.

If you need new gutters or want to explore gutter guard options, contact Zephyr Thomas at 717-399-4708. We can help you maintain, protect, and improve your home. We also have handyman services available to help you handle home maintenance tasks you need help with, don’t have time for, or don’t want to deal with.