Hey there! Gregg from Clearview Gutters here. One of the most important parts of home maintenance is keeping your gutters clean and in good working order, which can be especially challenging during the holiday season. Leaves, pine needles and other debris can accumulate during the fall, making holiday rain and snow a potential cause of problems. Below are three tips for keeping your gutters clean and functioning properly during the holidays.
1. Clean Gutters Regularly – One of the most important tips for keeping your gutters clean during the holidays is to make sure you clean them regularly. It is best to do this on a regular schedule, such as one to two times a year before or immediately after the holiday season. Cleaning your gutters removes debris from the gutters and also unclogs any parts that could be clogged. This is especially important during the holidays when leaves, branches, and other debris will be flying around your home. If you don’t clean your gutters regularly, these materials can accumulate quickly and create a blockage that can lead to costly repairs. Use a safe ladder and a pair of work gloves when cleaning your gutters and keep your eyes open for signs of damage such as leaky seams, cracks, or holes. Even if you don’t have specially designed gutter guards, scheduling regular gutter cleaning can help prevent build-up. Aim for once a month during the fall and winter for optimal performance. Make sure the cleanings are done early enough to prevent rain and snow from snagging on any debris.
2. Install Gutter Guards – Installing gutter guards can be a great way to keep your gutters clean during the holidays. Not only do they prevent debris from gathering in your gutters, but they also make it much easier to clean them out. Gutter guards come in a variety of materials and styles and can easily be installed in any gutter size. Metal, plastic, and mesh options are available to keep leaves and other materials from clogging your gutters. Once installed, all you will have to do is perform occasional gutter cleaning to remove any debris that may accumulate on the guards. Investing in debris guards can make all the difference in gutter maintenance. These guards have slots that allow water to run in but block debris from getting in, which can help prevent water from accumulating and freeze-thaw cycles from encasing debris. Make sure the guards are installed correctly, and check them for debris build up at the start of the holiday season.
3. Trim Trees and Bushes – Another tip for keeping your gutters clean during the holidays is to keep your trees and bushes trimmed. This is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of trees and bushes. Trimming these plants helps to reduce the amount of debris that can land in your gutters, which results in fewer clogs and less time spent cleaning them. If a particular tree or bush seems to be particularly problematic, consider cutting it down to reduce the debris that it produces. Make sure that you use proper safety gear and techniques when trimming any trees or bushes. Investigate any potential damage to the gutters ahead of the holiday season. Addresses any damage, such as holes and corrosion, and use a sealant to prevent water from entering and pooling. Take the additional step of using a water-resistant sealant in areas exposed to rain and snow to give your gutters the extra protection they need during the holiday season.
When it comes to keeping your gutters clean and in good working order during the holiday season, a lot of the responsibility falls on the homeowner. Preparation is key, and following these three tips can help you keep your gutters in tip-top shape during the holiday season. Regular cleaning, installing debris guards and repairing any damage make all the difference in preventing water back ups and frozen debris. For more reliable results, not to mention peace of mind, consider enlisting the services of a professional gutter cleaning service to help keep your gutters free of debris and functioning properly during the holiday season.
