Your All-In-One Spring Gutter Checklist

Spring is here! And with spring comes spring cleaning. But don’t worry; keeping your gutters clean and clear is easy, and we’ve got a handy checklist for you to make sure you’ve hit all the essentials.

• First and foremost, clean your gutters of any debris. Just because it’s mostly been snow and ice up there doesn’t mean crud didn’t collect during the winter, unfortunately. Your shingles may have been eroded by the constant water and snow. Make sure your downspouts are clear as well. Pour a little water down your downspouts and make sure that the flow is clear and unimpeded.
• If you can reach it, also clear any remaining debris off your roof. The last thing you want to have happen is that stuff washing down and sticking in your nice clean gutter.
• Check under your eaves for any signs of roof damage or mold, such as tiger striping.
• Check your gutters for any loose or broken hangers, especially if you had a lot of snow or ice dams this winter. The weight of those can be a strain on even the best gutter systems, and can cause subtle damage that builds up if you’re not careful. Tighten up the hangers to prevent sagging, which can leave stagnant water in your gutters, causing insect problems or even pull them right off the roof!
• If you use gutter guard systems, and obviously we feel you should, check them for damage or wear.
• Break out the level and make sure your gutter still slopes properly. Generally, gutters slope one to two inches for every forty feet of gutter, but the snow may have knocked the balance off.
• Examine the gutters closely for any sign of rusting or similar problems, if you use galvanized steel gutters. Tackle any rust spots immediately by painting them over and sealing them with a waterproof coating. For other kinds of gutters, consider repainting them or adding a new coat of water-resistant sealant, just to keep them from getting worn out during the summer.
• If your gutter has rusted through, or otherwise been punctured by the winter season, replace the gutter section if possible, and patch it if it isn’t.
• Check the seams of your gutters closely. Seams are especially prone to breaking in the winter, when the extreme cold gets to the welds. Weld any seams as necessary.
• Take a look at the trees on your property. Any limbs hanging over your roof or near your gutters? Now would be a good time to trim those back.
• Finally, check the area where your downspout empties to make sure there aren’t any further issues. For example, the drainage may need to be improved, especially if you had a snowy winter and are having a wet spring.

Good luck, and enjoy the spring weather!

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