Winter brings an increase in snow, freezing rain, and ice, and that means your gutters will have to endure it all once the cold weather arrives. To effectively route water away from your home and prevent leaks and other moisture-related damage, your gutters need to be ready to handle the brunt of what nature has to offer. Below are a few tips to prepare your gutter system for the winter ahead.

How to Prepare Gutters for Winter

1. Give Them a Thorough Cleaning

During the fall, gutters tend to fill up with all sorts of yard waste, from leaves and twigs to birds' nests and shingle granules. Removing this accumulation allows water to flow freely and unimpeded come winter. Debris buildup can also place a lot of strain on a gutter system. With the added weight of snow and ice, a gutter could come loose or break off entirely. Take the time to give your gutters a thorough cleaning to avoid clogs and breakage.

2. Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are metal strips of mesh that affix to the top of gutters. They filter out debris while encouraging the smooth and uninterrupted flow of water. Because the heaviness of snow and ice can cause leaves and branches to break off trees, gutter guards are essential to guaranteeing healthy water flow during the winter.

3. Add Downspout Extensions

Gutter extensions elongate the downspouts that empty onto your lawn, letting you direct water runoff further away from the home. Keeping melting snow and ice away from the foundation will help the basement stay dry and prevent any cracks from getting bigger and causing stability issues. Ideally, position the extensions as far downhill as possible, aiming for drains or ditches that can better accommodate an influx of water.

When you need gutter services, contact McCarthy Seamless Gutters. Since 1972, they have been serving property owners throughout the Fairfield County, CT, region. They offer gutter installation, cleaning, maintenance, and repairs, as well as installation of gutter guards, aluminum trim, and vinyl soffits. Call (203) 743-0599 or visit them online to request a free estimate.