Winter is rapidly approaching, along with all the severe weather that can make it a challenging season. You probably already know that you should clean out your gutters at least twice per year, but you might not realize that winter is a bad time to start gutter maintenance in Oklahoma City, OK.
We get plenty of rain and snow in the wintertime, and if your gutters are clogged, the water will have no place to safely run off. Instead, you could see foundation issues and structural damage when the water invades your home. If that water freezes, it could crack and damage your gutters.
Preparing your gutters prior to winter in Oklahoma City, OK is important for avoiding as much hassle and damage as possible. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Get rid of leaves and other debris first: Unless you have a leaf guard installed on your gutters, you’ll probably collect quite a bit of plant matter in your gutters during the fall. Leaves are not just responsible for clogs, but they can also mold over and cause additional health issues for your family. Scoop out all of the debris that could cause clogs, and consider rinsing with a hose to ensure there aren’t any hidden blockages.
- Look for structural damage: During and after your cleaning, look carefully at your gutters. Do you see any structural damage like cracks and holes? If so, you’ll need to get that section of gutter patched or replaced before the winter weather sets in. You should also look at your home itself, including the foundation, fascia and exterior walls. Are there signs of water damage present? If so, you’ll need to get them repaired before ice and heavy rain become a concern. Don’t wait on this—the longer you let the damage sit, the more expensive and time-consuming it will be to repair.
- Go over the seams and anchors: Gutters should be firmly attached to the fascia using gutter spikes. Look around the entire perimeter of your home for gaps and holes which could allow water intrusion. Try tightening screws first, and if that doesn’t solve the problem, talk to the pros. Your local gutter company should be able to fix or advise you on fixing your gutters before winter in Oklahoma City, OK.
- Inspect the downspouts and diverters: Finally, inspect the downspouts and diverters to make sure that the water is being sent at least 10 feet away from the house, and isn’t pooling on the ground or around your foundation. Standing water can wreak havoc on foundations, basements and more. If you have a rain barrel, consider detaching it until the warmer months are here again.
Keeping your gutters clean and free of obstructions will prepare you for winter ice in Oklahoma City, OK. If your gutters are aging and need to be replaced, call the team at L & S Seamless Guttering to get high-quality gutters custom-fitted to your home. We look forward to working with you soon!
This post first appeared on https://lsseamlessgutter.com/