Summer always seems to come to a close all too soon, and so does the burden of preparing your home for the colder months. Winter can be rough on all of the elements that are outside of your home, including your gutter system.

Every winter, your gutters are exposed to many outdoor elements that can be harsh and damaging, such as ice and freezing temperatures. Here are a few steps you can take to help your gutter system make it through the colder months!

Have a Professional Clean Your Gutters

One of the best ways to prepare your gutters for the winter season is to have your gutters professionally cleaned. Your gutters are designed to carry water away from your home, and as rain falls from the rough, the water lands in the gutter trough.

But, if the gutter trough is filled with debris, such as sticks and leaves, water cannot flow through the trough. It can flow over the edge of the trough, or worse, it can freeze. When it freezes, the weight can cause the gutter to pull away from your home or split at the seams. Having the gutters cleaned helps to prevent this problem.

Have Your Gutters Professionally Inspected

Another way to prepare your gutters for the winter is to have your gutters professionally inspected. Your gutters should be inspected at least once a year. During an inspection, a professional will determine whether your gutters need any repairs made to them or whether they need to be replaced.

A professional will also look for rust and remove rust during an inspection. Most people forget to have their gutters inspected, so if it has been a year or longer since yours was last done, now is the perfect time to have it done.

Realign Your Gutters

In order to have proper drainage throughout your gutters, it’s important to make sure that your gutters are aligned properly. After some wear and tear, your gutters may be slightly warped or sagging. If your gutters need to be realigned, hiring a professional for such a renovation is best. They'll be able to fix your gutter system by adding pressure or replacing loose brackets that cause gutters to lose their proper slope.

Trim Branches or Remove Outside Debris

Large trees close to your home can be an issue if not taken care of from time to time. When trees are not pruned or left unattended for extended periods, they may start rubbing against your home, damaging your gutters.

Along with gutter damage, large overhanging trees may also shed leaves into your gutters, causing them to clog faster than normal. Trimming your trees, vines, or other foliage in the winter can be a helpful way to keep your gutters in great shape. You can also protect your gutters by installing long-lasting gutter guards that will shield them all winter long.

The best time to prune your trees is during the fall and early winter when the leaves are bare. Winter is the most crucial time to keep up with gutter care and will set you up for success all year round.

Consider Extensions

Adding extensions such as snow guards and downspouts can help relieve some of the headaches caused by gutters. Extensions can help with water flow, eliminate icy patches from forming in problematic areas, and manage the amount of snow that may build up in your gutters.

Some extensions are unnecessary, but they can be helpful in some instances. Talk with a professional and see if extensions may be a good option for your home.

Have Your Gutters Repaired or Replaced

Lastly, if an inspection reveals that you need to have your gutters repaired or replaced, do the work before winter. Most professionals will not repair or replace gutters during the winter months.

Their products will only properly cure when it's freezing out, and it is harder to work in the rain and snow. Having your gutters repaired or replaced before the winter helps to ensure your gutters are ready to function as they should throughout the winter months.

Prepare Your Gutters for Winter with Midwest Exteriors!

When you need your gutters cleaned, inspected, repaired, or replaced in the greater Western Twin Cities metro area, turn to Midwest Exteriors! We can help with all of your roofing, siding and gutter needs. Call us today to schedule your appointment at 651-565-1663.