Top 3 Reasons To Clean Your Gutters This Fall

Here in Florida, the temperatures have finally re-entered the two-digit range. We may not experience the leaves changing colors and the cooler weather that requires jackets and boots, but the crispness in the air means that fall has officially arrived. It also means that heavy summer storms and hurricane season are almost over. 

Now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the next season. We recommend starting with your gutters since they play a big role in helping protect your home from Florida weather events. 

Why Gutter Maintenance Matters

If you’ve lived in this area for any length of time, you know that heavy rains are part of the package. Gutters are critical to moving that water away from your house and keeping your roof, walls, and foundation safe. To do that, your gutters require regular inspection and maintenance. We recommend cleaning your gutters semi-annually, once in the spring and once in the fall, just before the holiday season arrives. 

Don’t wait for a small issue to cause significant problems down the road. Cleaning gutters before they become clogged can help you identify any debris or damage before it becomes a headache.  

Here are the top three reasons to give your gutters attention today.

1. Foundation Problems Can Be Caused By Clogged Gutters

When gutters stop diverting water from your property correctly, you can expect potential problems for your home. That’s because water pooled around your foundation can begin slowly creeping in, causing substantial damage. Flooding and foundational problems are time-consuming and expensive to repair, so checking your gutters today can save you time and money in the future.

2. Leaves, Branches & Shingle Granules Can Clog Your Gutters

Fall is the perfect time to inspect your gutters because it’s the end of the rainy season in Florida. All that rain can easily knock leaves and branches off of the trees around your home. Heavy storms can also cause damage to your shingles and cause the granules to loosen and make their way straight into your gutter system. All of this debris leads to extra weight, small clogs, and more. Take the time to remove anything caught in your gutter system. If you notice a lot of shingle granules, it’s also time to inspect the roof. 

3. Winter Weather Can Stress Your Gutters

While snow is not in the picture, heavy winds and ice can be frequent visitors in the winter months. These elements add weight and stress to your gutters, causing cracks and damage to already weakened systems. By cleaning gutters before winter hits and removing debris, you’ll be helping to avoid future damage as the temperatures drop.

Signs You Need Gutter Repair

Need another reason to clean your gutters? One of the best benefits is the inspection that comes with it. Often, major problems can be avoided entirely if minor issues are caught and repaired early.  

Here are a few additional signs that your gutters may need repair this fall. 

• Sagging gutters or areas where they appear to be pulling away from your roofline are often a sign that proper draining is no longer occurring. 
• Spots underneath gutters (on a sunny day, not during a rainstorm) may indicate a past leak or overflow caused by clogging. Staining and water spots are a sign that damage has occurred and needs repair.
• Pooling of water or signs of mold indicates a defect or problem with your gutters and downspouts. Typically, this will occur near your foundation.  

Take the time to clean your gutters this season, and rest easy knowing they’ll be in good shape for the months ahead. 

Need a Local Expert? 

Are your gutters clean, but you still have a problem? With a free, no-obligation roof inspection, Allstate can inspect your roof, gutters, and downspouts to find the problem. 

Contact Allstate Construction Roofing Inc. to book a free inspection today.