Your gutter system plays a significant role in your home’s welfare.
Throughout the year, you need to perform routine maintenance on your gutter to ensure that it remains in good shape. The primary purpose of your gutter is to control the flow of precipitation. This helps to protect your roof, walls, foundation, and landscape. It is crucial to stay on top of your gutter maintenance throughout the winter because the weather conditions and ice buildup can lead to severe damage to your home.
Your winter checkup should include:
Clearing out the Gutters and Downspouts
Clearing out your gutters and downspouts should be your priority. Leaves and twigs from the fall season can cause a blockage that prevents water from draining. The pile-up will cause your gutter to collect water, and eventually, it will begin to flood.
The stored water within the gutter turns to ice during the winter months. The collection and freezing of water could lead to roof damage or failure. Once your gutters freeze over, this causes the snow not to drain or melt accordingly. The old snow and ice create a moisture backup contributing to mold growth and rot.
Inspecting the Anchors for Security
The anchors keep the gutter system attached to the house. It’s critical to make sure that the anchors are correctly connected to the house because if they aren’t firmly secured, your gutter is at risk of falling off your home. With extra water buildup in the winter, this causes more pressure, increasing your chances of failure if they aren’t attached correctly. If the anchors are loose or damaged, you should repair these as soon as possible.
Checking for Structural Damage
It’s also necessary to check for any structural damage to your gutter system. The fascia is the side panel that lives between your gutter and the exterior wall of your home. Since the fascia is made from wood, check for signs of molding, staining, or rotting. If you see any signs of damage to the fascia, find the source of water flow that caused the accident and make repairs as needed.
Gutter maintenance is critical throughout the winter months. Alaska Premier Gutters can assist in gutter repair, installation, and cleaning, to protect your home from inclement weather. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.