During the spring, most places experience higher precipitation than average. Homeowners must ensure their gutters are ready to protect their houses from leaks and flooding. Here are four pieces of advice to maintain your gutters and prepare for the upcoming season.

4 Gutter Care Tips for Spring

1. Check Their Integrity

Winter conditions, like high winds and frozen precipitation, can take a toll on the gutters. In early spring, inspect the gutters to ensure the sides of each channel butt up against the roof and will funnel precipitation away from the home. Call for repairs if you notice the gutters have detached in places or that they have rusted through and need replacement.

2. Clean the Gutters 

As the season transitions and rain falls, the gutters must be clog-free. If they are blocked, they may force water over the sides. This unexpected downpour could send water rushing down the walls creating interior leaks or onto the landscaping where water may pool and flood the foundation. Get on a ladder and handle the cleaning or call a maintenance team to remove leaves, twigs, and other detritus that has fallen into these channels.

3. Move Downspouts

Many homes feature downspouts that connect to the gutters near the roof and move water far away from the house to areas with better drainage. Over the winter, these extra pipes may warp, corrode or become dented. Make sure the downspouts are all connected to the gutters, they are clear, and that the pipes are situated correctly to move water downhill away from the home.

4. Install Gutter Guards

Homeowners must clean the gutters regularly to avoid leaks and flooding due to debris backup. If you’re not interested in performing this regular maintenance, you can prevent these blockages by installing gutter guards to keep debris away by covering the tops of the channels.

Homeowners looking to hire gutter professionals should contact Gardner Services in Frankfort, KY. A professional engineer owns the company and offers gutter repairs, cleaning, and guard installation. Call the experts at (502) 682-3373 or visit the website for information on their additional services, like painting and deck installations.