During the winter, ice dams often form in clogged gutters and put homes at risk of significant water damage. That’s why gutter cleaning is essential in the fall before colder weather begins to set in. To help you keep your house safe during the winter months, here are five crucial tips for cleaning and maintaining your gutters.  

What Gutter Maintenance Tasks Do You Need to Complete in the Fall?

1. Clean the Roof

Begin your gutter maintenance by clearing the roof of any debris that may fall into the gutters as you work. Use a ladder to access the roof and then utilize a broom to push leaves, twigs, and other debris onto the ground, where you can gather it together for removal. 

2. Unclog the Gutters

Remove large chunks of debris from the gutters using your gloved hands or a scooping tool. Place the debris into a bucket for easy removal. Then, use a power washing tool or a pressure sprayer attached to your hose to spray out your gutters and remove any remaining debris. 

3. Trim Trees

During autumn, leaves, twigs, and seeds can easily fall into your gutters. Because of this, you should trim any branches or foliage that hang over them. In addition to preventing clogs, you’ll reduce the risk of a tree branch falling on your gutters and causing severe damage. 

4. Check the Downspout

Take a walk around your house and carefully inspect each of your downspout drains for clogs. You can usually get clogs to fall out by tapping the downspout a few times. Then, even if you didn’t notice any clogs, use a hose to clear out any unseen debris and ensure that the downspout flows appropriately. 

5. Hire a Professional 

In the end, the best way to get your gutters ready for winter is to hire a professional. A certified technician will carefully inspect your gutters to ensure you’ve cleaned them out properly and will complete any other necessary cleaning or repairs to help winterize your home’s exterior. 

For thorough, professional gutter cleaning and inspection, turn to Gardner Services. Serving Frankfort, KY, and the surrounding communities, this fully licensed and insured team will ensure your roof and gutters are prepared for even the harshest weather. In addition to inspections and gutter cleaning, they also provide gutter repair and gutter installation. Learn more about their various services online, and call (502) 682-3373 to schedule a free estimate today.