The mercury is dropping again in Colorado, and that means more ice, snow, and freezing rain coming our way.
If you’ve been neglecting your gutters during the last few months, you might have noticed an accumulation of leaves, twigs, and other debris along the perimeter of your roof. This can create real problems down the road if you don’t take action now, as clogged gutters can lead to water damage, building exterior damage, and even pest infestations.
Cleaning your gutters once every few months during the spring and summer may not be enough to adequately protect your home from the elements this winter. This is especially true here in Colorado, where weather patterns can swing wildly, resulting in unpredictable amounts of precipitation, high winds, and flurries of wind-blown dirt and debris.
To help keep your gutters in tip-top shape and working as they should, the roofing professionals at A-to-Z Roofing are presenting five tips for maintaining your gutters this winter.
Taking these steps will help to ensure that you’re not met with any gutter-related surprises come springtime!
#1: Start with a ‘Safety First’ Approach
Maintaining your gutters and downspouts isn’t always a dangerous job, but it can be.
Often, the edges of gutters can be quite sharp. And, to reach certain areas of your roof, you may need to use a ladder and some assistance from a helper. When it comes to gutter maintenance, it’s best to always take a ‘Safety First’ approach.
During gutter cleaning and maintenance, be sure you use:
- Safety Goggles
- Thick gloves in good condition
- Shoes with non-slip soles
- A sturdy ladder rated for the height you’ll be at
Any time you’re working above 12 feet, it’s highly advised that you involve someone else who can monitor your safety and be there for help when needed.
#2: While You’re Cleaning, Inspect the Roof for Damage
You might as well perform a quick, visual inspection of your roof while you have the ladder out. Look for curled shingles, cracked or splitting flashing, and bald areas where shingle gravel might have eroded away.
Any of these symptoms can point to a bigger roofing problem that needs addressing before it becomes a costly issue, which is likely to happen given enough time.
Make note of any damage you see, and take action by calling a roofing professional to perform a more detailed analysis of your roof’s condition.
#3: Perform a Flush after Cleaning
This tip is often overlooked by many home and business owners.
After you’ve completed your gutter cleaning, use your garden hose to flush out any remaining debris that might be caught in the elbow joints, connections, and downspouts. While you can use a pressure washer to perform this task, it’s not advised as doing so could pose some safety risks if you are not a professional.
This step serves two functions. First, it helps to remove some of the surface debris you might have missed in your cleaning. Second, it can reveal clogs or backups that you might not have otherwise noticed!
#4: Consider Installing Gutter Guards
Gutter guards, when correctly installed, can significantly prolong the amount of time you can allow to pass between gutter cleanings. There are many different gutter guard styles to choose from, and if you need help making the right choice, don’t hesitate to contact our team to learn about your options.
The right gutter guard can add a unique aesthetic to your home while helping to keep unwanted debris from building up in your overall rain management system.
#5: Call in the Professionals If the Job Gets to Be Too Much
It’s admirable to want to do a gutter cleaning job all on your own. However, many homes and businesses have dimensions that can make it prohibitive for gutter maintenance to be a DIY job.
Before you begin taking safety risks in the effort of saving money, consider contacting the roofing pros at A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors.
Our team will perform a thorough gutter cleaning for you while also conducting an expert inspection of your roof to detect any other problems that might be developing.
Don’t let the harsh Colorado winter weather wreak havoc on your roof, gutters, or downspouts.
A little attention goes a long way. Make your rain management hardware a priority, and your home will thank you for it!
To schedule a gutter cleaning and roof inspection, contact us today by calling (303) 781-8185.
We look forward to working with you!