Are Your Gutters Ready for Winter?

The gutters that surround your home seem especially helpful during the spring season, when rain is in the forecast for days or weeks on end. During this time, your gutters take water run off and send it away from your home, preventing flooding damage to your roof and house. However, your gutters are just as important, if not more so, during the winter months.

Damaged gutters, or gutter systems that are not operating as they should be, can cause major damage during the winter months. This month, be sure to prepare your gutters for the upcoming season so that you can avoid issues like flooding or ice damming.

Clean them out
Falling leaves throughout autumn can clog your gutter system. Climb on your ladder to give your gutters a serious cleaning, removing leaves and other debris. Without a proper cleaning, your gutters can become clogged and unable to remove melting snow or ice. Gutters filled with leaves or debris can cause water to overflow and then freeze, leaving your home with damaged gutters or even roof complications.

Trim branches
If your gutters have low hanging tree branches overhead, make arrangements to have the branches trimmed. This precaution can assure that no additional leaves will fall and clog the gutters, as well as prevent any other damage from falling sticks or branches.

Check your downspouts
Your gutter system includes your downspouts, so be sure to check those as well. Look for debris and assure that they are working properly. Double check that the downspouts lead to a safe location. For example, a downspout that empties on your driveway can mean lots of ice (and a chance for you to slip or fall) this winter.

Consider replacement
If your gutters are old or damaged, now is the time to replace them. A gutter system that is not working well can lead to flooding, roof damage, and other nuisances this winter. Don’t take the chance, instead opting to invest in a replacement for your home.

The team at Rusco is ready to advise you on your gutter options to get your house ready for the upcoming winter. Give us a call to set up your appointment today; we have more than 80 years experience working with Chicagoland homeowners and would love to pass along that knowledge to you!