_ Gutters _

3 Winter Gutter Maintenance Tips

Harsh winter weather can be damaging to homes and gutters. Winter maintenance, thankfully, protects gutters from wear and premature aging. It also prevents leaks and other environmental forms of damage. However, if your gutters are past the point of repair, you should contact a roofing contractor about replacing them. Here are a few steps you can take to extend their useful life.

How to Keep Gutters in Shape This Winter

1. Clear Out Leaves & Other Debris

Gutters allow water to flow off your roof and away from your home. When gutters are obstructed by leaves and other debris, this flow is impeded. Trapped water may turn to ice when temperatures drop and cause ice dams to form. When ice thaws, water may also seep into your home if it gets under shingles.

2. Add Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are a home improvement innovation designed to ease seasonal maintenance tasks. They keep leaves and debris out of your gutters and allow water to freely flow through them. Guards can also stabilize your entire gutter system by preventing ice from forming and heavy snow from accumulating.

3. Repair Signs of Wear & Tear

While clearing debris from your gutters, inspect them carefully for any obvious signs of damage. Check the seams where sections meet and make sure anchors are sufficiently secured to your home. In addition, check downspouts for proper positioning and drainage. If water isn’t diverted away from your home, it may damage your foundation and leak into your basement.

If your gutters have seen better days or you’re having issues with their maintenance, a roofing contractor will help. In Oakwood and Dayton, OH, AlphaOne Exteriors repairs and installs replacement gutters. They also offer other essential exterior services, including roof repair and replacement, siding installation, and painting. Contact this roofing contractor to secure a free estimate today by calling (937) 401-3405. You can also visit their website to learn more about their gutter services.