As the leaves turn brown and the weather turns colder, you may prepare the home for the winter months. You’ll purchase salt for the driveways and place a cover on the outdoor pool. Another chore to perform is gutter repair. Fall is the perfect time to do this chore for a variety of reasons.
Prepare for the Winter Weather
Winters typically bring a lot of rain, sleet, ice, and snow down onto the house. You want to ensure that the gutters can handle this winterly mix and divert it away from your foundation. Repairing the gutters allows you to direct the water to where you want it to go. You can tighten gutter fasteners that may have loosened or are missing, and ensure there are no holes that will allow water to leak. Performing these necessary repairs now will lessen the chances that you will have to go out into the snow and ice to fix a leaky or shaky gutter system.
Keeps the Gutters Clean
Fallen leaves, small branches, birds’ nests, and other debris can become lodged in the gutter system. If these obstructions are not taken care of, they can cause water and ice to dam up and send it over the gutters instead of through the downspout. Your home could end up flooding, water can get behind the siding, or your gutters may become damaged. Cleaning the gutters after the last fall leaves are off the trees will help prolong the life of your gutter and protect your home.
Prevent Basement Flooding
The main purpose of the gutters is to direct the rainwater, ice, and snow away from your foundation. When extra rain and snow get up along the foundation, the excess water finds any type of opening to get into the house. With so much water entering, it can lead to basement flooding and serious damage. Gutter repair can safeguard your basement by ensuring that the gutter system is in optimal condition to handle the wet weather throughout the winter.
Prevents Mold and Mildew When Temperatures Rise
During fall and early winter, the temperatures may rise as it gets warm outside. This sudden warmth can cause fungi to grow when there is a lot of moisture present along with mold spores. Once mold and mildew enter the home, they can lower the air quality inside and become difficult to remove. Gutter repair can help prevent standing water from sitting too long up against the house. The gutter system lowers the chain of mold and mildew buildup outside the home that could get inside.
There are several visible signs to look for that can tell you that the gutter needs to be repaired today. Bowed or loose gutters, missing fasteners, leaks, holes, or a lot of standing water along the foundation could all be indicators of a failing gutter system. Learn more about gutter repair services, contact Brandstetter’s KangaRoof.
