Every season has its own set of maintenance tasks. During the fall, one of the most important is prepping the rain gutters. With the promise of falling leaves and extra rain looming ahead, you need to make sure they’re in proper working condition. Failure to do so can compromise your roof, siding, foundation, and landscaping. If you’re not sure what seasonal gutter maintenance entails, here’s what you need to know. 

How to Get Your Rain Gutters Ready for the Cold Months

1. Clean

Like most seasonal housework, it all begins with cleaning. The goal is to remove any leftover leaves and debris that could clog up the downspout and hinder the draining process. If you’re physically able and comfortable with the idea of standing on a ladder for hours, you can do this part yourself—just make sure you’re taking all the necessary safety precautions. Otherwise, have a professional gutter cleaning service handle it. Not only is it safer and more convenient, but it’s also faster since they have access to the right tools to get the job done.

2. Look for Damage

After your rain gutters are clean, inspect them for damage. If anything seems bent out of shape, rusted, or loose, it will need to be repaired. Don’t forget about the roof and the siding either. Since gutters are designed to protect these features by diverting the water away, any damage could have negatively affected your home. 

3. Schedule Repairs or a Replacement

Once you know what you’re dealing with, it’s time to establish a plan. Take note of how many sections or components need to be repaired. If there are too many broken parts, it may be better to have everything replaced, especially if you have an old gutter system. Seamless gutters offer a lot of benefits. 

4. Trim Your Trees

To reduce how much ends up in the gutters, trim down any nearby tree branches. Note that tree pruning should always be a part of your fall action plan, especially late in the season. Cutting back any diseased or overgrown branches during a tree’s dormant period is beneficial for the plant. When spring comes, it’ll grow back much healthier. 

5. Have Gutter Covers Installed

Whether or not you’ve trimmed your trees, it’s a good idea to have rain gutter covers installed. These dramatically minimize the number of leaves, acorns, pine cones, and anything else that could end up there. Not only will this save you time and money on gutter cleaning in the future, but it also ultimately ensures a smooth flow of rainwater away from the house. 

If you need your gutters cleaned, repaired, or replaced, make an appointment with Borden Seamless Guttering & Siding. Based in Cookeville, TN, they’ve provided reliable rain gutter services throughout the Upper Cumberland area for more than 40 years. Beyond the basics, they can also install gutter covers to maximize your home’s protection. For information about these gutter services, visit their website or call (931) 528-2816.