As fall approaches, leaves will begin to turn and drop. Unfortunately, some of those leaves will end up in your gutter. It is important to clean out your gutters to prevent damage to your home. Below, we will provide some clean-up care tips for homeowners.

Why Do You Need To Clean Out Gutters?

Gutters move water from the roof to select points on your property. Generally, the water goes to drains or plant beds can take the additional water. Overall, they redirect water away from key areas of the home to help prevent flooding. When they fill up with leaves and plant debris, it becomes much more difficult to properly move the water. Moreover, wet plant debris and trapped water can weigh on the home. The weight can pull down the roof and eaves of your home. Snow and ice can provide even more weight. Under extreme duress, they can tear off the home, leading to damage, leaks, and even flooding. By removing debris from your gutters, you can reduce the risk of damage caused by buildup.

When Should I Clean Out My Gutters in the Fall?

Generally, you should clear out debris twice during the fall. Firstly, remove any debris within a week of the first major tree fall. If there are a lot of leaves on your property, it’s a good sign to get up the ladder. This generally occurs in the first week or two of October in New York. The next is before the first winter storm. By then, most of the leaves will have fallen, and you can make sure the gutters are ready in case of snow. Generally, this would be between Thanksgiving and the first week of December.

Signs That Care is Needed

There are a few signs that should signal that your gutters need immediate TLC. First, if you can physically see debris from the ground. Then, look for signs of leaks or blocks in the gutters or downspouts. When the trees around your home are clear of leaves, it is a good sign to clean the gutters. Lastly, check for ice damming. When ice builds up in your gutters rather than melting out, it could cause damage to your home.

How to Clean Out Your Gutters and Downspout

To clean out your gutters, you will need work gloves, a bucket, a ladder tall enough to reach your roof, and work gloves. You may also need a gutter-cleaning tool to scrape out tougher debris. Scrape and scoop out gunk and debris to the bucket. If weather permits, consider using your hose to flush out downspouts. You can also use this to see that the flow is steady and that there are no blockages hidden within.

Pine Trees Around Your Home

It is a common misconception to assume that your gutters do not need servicing because your property has evergreen trees. However, there may still be plenty of debris to clear out. Firstly, evergreen trees do shed debris. They drop nettles, branches, pinecones, berries, seeds, and other materials. Next, other materials can still end up in your gutters. Leaves blown from other properties can still end up in there. For best results, you should still ensure that your gutters are properly cleaned out.

Hiring a Professional

Consider hiring a professional to service your gutters for the fall. When hiring someone to climb on a ladder or otherwise potentially endanger themselves on your property, it is important to hire a licensed and insured professional.

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