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As hurricane season worsens each year, it’s more important than ever for homeowners to prepare for severe weather. In 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted a 70% chance of above-normal hurricane activity, marking the seventh consecutive year of high activity. Hurricanes pose major risks to home exteriors, including gutter systems, so regular gutter maintenance is crucial for storm protection. Follow these tips to ensure your gutters are ready for the heavy rainfall and strong winds of storm season.
1. Clean Your Gutter System
For most homes, a twice-yearly cleaning of gutters and downspouts will be sufficient. However, if you live in a particularly wooded area or have trees above your home, a more frequent check for debris is advised – especially ahead of storm season.
No matter how clean your gutters are, or how well your downspouts channel water, a yard full of leaves will not drain properly. While clearing leaves from your rain gutters, avoid throwing them onto the yard, which can impact downspouts. Properly dispose of them in a garbage bag or compost container to best prepare for severe weather.
Properly gutter maintenance will not only help protect homes during inclement weather. They will also help prevent water damage, offer roof protection, reduce pests, and protect your home’s foundation.
To save time, homeowners can install gutter guards—including screen guards, fine mesh guards and surface tension guards—to help keep gutters debris-free and make future cleanings easier.
2. Check for Existing Rain Gutter Damage
Like any other part of your home, occasional gutter maintenance is encouraged to promote longevity. Inspecting them periodically for damage, especially before storm season, can help prevent further damage to the gutters and protect your home.
Gutter damage includes cracking, rust, paint damage, leaky or separated seals, rotting, mold or mildew, separation from the roof, and sagging gutters.
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Some of these problems can be quickly resolved by DIY methods. Other forms of damage might be a sign that a gutter replacement is needed. The good news is that gutter replacements are typically much more affordable compared to fixing the damage that occurs when they are neglected. It is also an opportunity to install new gutters. You can look for a highly durable type of gutter system that will stand up more effectively to storms than your previous rain gutter system.
Always remember that proactive and routine gutter maintenance can help you avoid these issues and best prepare your home for storms.
3. Tend to Your Downspouts
An often overlooked part of the gutter system are the downspouts. These sections carry water off your home’s roof and safely down the side of your home. The place where the water exits is the downspout. The downspout should be at least three feet from the home to prevent pooling. Pooling and overflowing can cause damage to your home’s foundation, cracked walls, and siding, basement flooding, and uneven floors.
How to Test the Condition of Downspouts
If when running the water, it exits the gutter system too close to the siding, homeowners can install downspout extenders or hire a gutter contractor to resolve the issue.
When is it Time to Call a Gutter Professional?
If you feel that you need assistance preparing your gutters for storm season, Modernize can help. Our gutter professionals can help you with cleaning and repairing your gutters, or helping to ensure they are in good shape to withstand heavy rainfall and storm winds.
Speak with the professionals at Modernize today to connect with a trusted contractor in your area to help prepare your gutters ahead of storm season.
Find the Right Contractor for Your Gutters Project
Whether you’re ready to begin your project now or need some expert advice, our network of contractors are here to help. With a few simple questions, we’ll find the best local professionals for you
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