Summer temperatures might be gone and perhaps you even appreciate the drop in temperature and the ability to toss on your favorite comfy hoodie before you go outside into the crisp autumn air. But while the heat is gone, rain and thunderstorms are likely not and your house's rain gutters will have more work to do during this fall. Fall can be a particularly rough time for your gutters and downspouts due to all of the leaves that are falling near your house. Here are some important tips to keep in mind in order to make sure your rain gutters make it through to next spring.
Sweep or Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts More Often to Avoid a Build Up of Debris
Hopefully, you are checking up on your gutters at least once a month or after especially bad storms, but this fall, make it a point to take a glance up there even more frequently. Leaves and twigs and other debris can find their way into your gutters with ease in the fall, especially if you have a tree or two near the house. All of this additional debris from falling leaves can add extra weight that might damage your gutter or lead to the development of a clog.
Install a Gutter Cover That Will Let Water Through While Keeping Debris Out
Once your gutters are clear, one thing to consider to make future maintenance easier is the installation of a gutter cover. A gutter cover is typically made out of mesh or another material that will let water from the roof into the gutter while keeping most of the leaves or debris out. You may still want to check up on the gutter every once in a while even with the cover installed, but it can help give you peace of mind to know that most leaves are staying out of your rain gutters thanks to the cover.
Repair Any Wear and Tear or Get a New Gutter If Needed If Water Is Not Draining As Fast As It Should
If at any point this fall you do notice that water is draining slower than it should or you see any obvious wear and tear, get a rain gutter specialist out for repair or consider installing a new gutter system. Either way, you want to make sure you fix the problem before winter. Slow-moving or still water in your gutter system can quickly become ice in the winter and then there will be much more significant damage if the gutter is forced to expand as the water freezes.