As the trees begin to lose their leaves and the winter winds begin to blow in, debris will build up in your gutters and on your roof. Cleaning your gutters in the fall will prepare them for the upcoming winter season. With the excess moisture during the winter, you will want to ensure that all your gutter parts are ready to handle snow and rain. Prepare your gutters for winter with repairs and cleaning from Jacob’s Ladder. 

1- Use A Scoop To Remove Clogged Debris

Removing leaves and other debris is the most essential part of preparing your gutters for winter storms. Cleaning out the gutters on your roof can be a time-consuming task and takes some elbow grease. Soggy leaves and twigs can get heavy, so using a scoop or hiring a professional can ensure you remove all build-up from inside the gutters and downspouts. 

Neglecting to remove all debris will prevent the flow of water through the gutters. When water backs up in your gutters, it can seep into your roof or flow over the sides of the gutters and cause foundation damage. Prevent mold growth and other damage by scheduling a professional gutter cleaning. 

2- Install New Gutters

Some gutters are just too damaged to keep water away from your home. If your gutters are falling off the roof, or have cracks, or holes, it is better to replace them. Working with a professional gutter company will ensure that you have the most modern gutter options and they are properly attached to your roof. 

While it is not recommended to replace your gutters during the winter, doing so in the fall or spring will help set you up for success when a hard winter hits. Spring is the ideal time to have new gutters installed because the old gutters will not be full of debris like leaves or dirt. 

3- Inspect End Caps And Downspouts

Similar to the runs that are attached to your roof, the end caps and downspouts of your gutters need to be maintained and inspected for damages before winter. If you want to prepare your gutters for winter, make sure that the eavestroughs are attached properly, all covers and guards are secure, and the downspout is properly attached to the gutter and pointed away from your home. 

Look for cracks, loose brackets, or sections that are sagging. Have these parts repaired before heavy snow hits your home and causes the gutters to fall apart.

If your downspout connects to a ground sewer system, you may benefit from disconnecting it and using an elbow extension to direct the rain and snow away from your home. 

4- Consider Installing Gutter Guards

A gutter guard is installed over the gutter or down inside to prevent debris from filling up the gutter. A guard will reduce build-up which will limit the number of repairs that need to be completed on your gutter system. There are multiple options and materials for gutter guards that fit homeowners’ needs. Foam, mesh, or surface tension guards are some of the options available. 

There are a few downsides to gutter guards though, including the added weight. Some of the additional strain on your gutters can cause them to separate from the roof and cause them to need repair. 

5- Improve The Insulation In Your Attic

A properly insulated attic will help during the winter to prevent ice dams and damage to your gutters. When your roof and attic are properly insulated, it maintain a consistent temperature, which reduces ice buildup during the winter. When the snow melts during a warmer day, when the temperature drops again this previously melted snow in your gutters can turn back into ice and expand in your gutters. 

Prepare Your Gutters For Winter With Jacob’s Ladder

No matter what gutter problems you have, our team can help to remedy them before winter takes over your Colorado home. Clogged gutters can cause multiple issues around your home like damaged foundations, insect infestations, and roof leaks. Our experts can help clean out debris so that you stay safe and dry. 

Cleaning gutters and climbing a ladder can be dangerous for homeowners. Hiring a professional keeps you from experiencing injury or causing further damage to your home. Clients can choose from our basic or premium cleaning packages to prepare their gutters for winter. Contact us today for a free estimate or to schedule an appointment!