Fall is a favorite season for many. For homeowners, it brings to mind dropping leaves and cleaning out gutters. If you are focused on cleaning up leaves from your lawn, don’t overlook your gutters. Gutters direct water away from the foundation of your home. Allowing leaves, sticks and other debris to pile up in your gutters can result in poor drainage and can ruin your foundation.

If you’re tired of cleaning your gutters, consider adding gutter leaf protection. If your gutters are open and it’s time to clean them, here are three easy steps to guide you through proper gutter cleaning:

Remove debris.
After safely placing your ladder, carefully remove debris from the gutters. Be sure to wear work gloves to protect your hands from sticks or any other sharp objects that may not be visible to your eye. Check the downspouts to be sure they are clear so any water drains properly. After removing the debris, take a few minutes to wash out any remnants and help them perform better.

Check installation.
While you are on the ladder, it’s a great time to check that the gutters are secure. Confirm that the gutters are properly connected to the rafters and are stable. If not, this is the time to replace any pieces that are not secure.

Check for holes or missing pieces.
A leaking gutter is as harmful as a missing gutter. If you find holes in any gutters caulk can be temporary fix until your gutters can be replaced (schedule this soon!). You’ll also want to check the rivets that are near the down spouts. These rivets help water flow properly to and through the down spout rather than running over the sides and down to your foundation.

If you notice problems with your gutters, it’s time to have them replaced. Contact our office to discuss your questions and schedule a free estimate.