When spring finally arrives after a long winter, there’s no better feeling in the world. Here in New Jersey, for example, everyone is celebrating the arrival of warmer weather. The natural world is full of beauty and promise again. It’s time to put away those heavy winter clothes and get ready for the light, active, fun season ahead.
But there are also challenges that come with spring – especially if you’re a homeowner. The winter has been long and tough, and it usually leaves some damage in its wake. Gutters are one of the most common areas where homeowners notice problems as winter begins to fade away.
What problems are we talking about exactly? Here’s a handy list of four common gutter problems in spring. Knowing what they are may just help you to save money down the line, and keep your gutters in great shape as the seasons change.
1. Clogging
The single most common problem with gutters is of course clogging. This occurs for so many reasons, but the big ones is runoff from the roof. As the snow melts, a whole winter’s worth of sticks, leaves, dirt and other debris is washed into the gutters. The buildup often causes clogging, and suddenly the water isn’t draining like it should. This can lead to other structural problems with the gutters over time. Most professions recommended dedicated cleanings at least twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall.
2. Leaks
Leaks and holes are usually obvious when it’s raining, as you can see water pouring down from a specific spot beneath the gutter. To repair this, professionals use special caulk and sealant to reinforce seams, while using specific patching techniques to fix actual holes. There are DIY kits for this, but professional results are usually more reliable.
3. Sagging
Often times, as a result of standing water and too much debris, gutters begin to sag. This is also a result of loose or broken hangers. In some situations, the hangers can be tightened and the gutters cleared; this will restore some functionality. In other cases, the hangers were not installed properly, and a more detailed repair may be called for.
4. Damage
It’s also possible that gutters can be damaged by inclement weather. A strong storm with gale force winds can wreak havoc on gutters. Knowing whether your gutters can be repaired or whether they need to be replaced is much easier with the help of a gutter installation specialist.
Have you found the best gutter expert in your area?
When it comes to fixing your gutters, there are people who claim to be professionals, and people who actually are professionals. That’s not to say that you can’t find multiple professionals in your area who can get the job done right. But there are bound to be those who lack the tools, skills and experience to assess, maintain and repair your gutters – and if you hire them, you’ll probably pay for it down the road. Focus on specialists with good reputation and plenty of positive reviews. That’s a good first step to finding someone you can trust.