Cleaning Gutters Before Winter

It s much easier to clean the gutters out before winter than to try to melt an ice dam after it has formed.

Cleaning gutters before winter.

Cleaning your gutters during the winter season is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer if not more so. Towards the end of fall and during spring. Unfortunately the timing of this bi annual project can get a little tricky. Generally speaking one of the optimal times to have your gutters cleaned is when the season changes from fall to winter and the last leaves have fallen.

Simply put the benefits of cleaning gutters before winter will help you avoid the unfortunate event of your basement being filled with water rotted fascia boards cracked walkways or patios and many other potential areas of damage. One of the best times to do this is is right before winter. Failing to clean your gutters before winter hits can put your home at risk of damage due to the buildup of snow alongside dead leaves and debris in your drainage systems. Before the winter season most houses aren t properly maintained and most roofs are exposed to the elements which leads to rotting rusting cracking and other problems.

There are two important times of the year to clean your gutters. This time of year is also an ideal opportunity to receive any necessary gutter repair before the midwestern winter is in full swing. As a homeowner there are usually many projects that need to be completed before winter. Most homeowners in areas that experience snowfall clean their gutters before spring to ensure their gutter system can handle the heavy rains it will experience over the next few weeks.

The frozen water will weigh down and put excess strain on your gutters eventually causing them to sag or fall out of their placement. Many of us will make a list of the important jobs that need to be tackled first all the way down to the not so important. The backup usually found in clogged gutters during other seasons can freeze and create an even bigger problem. Doing a thorough job helps prevent potential damage from the weight of leaves in addition to snow and ice.

Although cleaning the gutters before winter is important there may be times throughout the season when you will need to clear the gutters of snow and ice. It s typically recommended to clean your residential gutter systems at least once every six months.