It’s sunny out and the beach is calling your name. The last thing on your mind is the gutters. But even during the summer, gutters require some critical maintenance to help them face the fall and winter months ahead. Maintaining your gutters in the summer is as important as cleaning them in the spring or autumn.
Reasons to maintain gutters in the summer.
Reasons maintain the gutters in the summer months include:
- Protects the foundation – there might not be as much but summer rains will come
- Protects your home’s exterior – siding, window trim, door trim, soffit, fascia made of wood are susceptible to wood rot
- Ensures the gutter system doesn’t become a fire hazard – it only takes a spark to ignite dry debris
- Discourages insects and animals – nesting pests might not be a real bother until the colder weather when they move indoors
Do specific gutter cleaning tasks throughout the summer.
The good news is you don’t have to do these gutter maintenance tasks all at once.
Beginning of Summer
Remove any debris from the gutter outlets.
Clean the outside of the gutters system with a solution of mild liquid soap and water. Rinse well. This will prevent any moisture that hangs around from encouraging mould or mildew growth.
Insert a garden hose at the top of the downspouts (at the gutter outlet). Run water through the downpipes to check for any blockages. Water should flow freely from the bottom of the downspouts.
During the Summer
Remove any debris, twigs, and leaves from the gutter system that has entered the gutter troughs since you cleaned the gutters in the spring.
Inspect the gutters and downspouts for any damage – worn seams, loose/missing hardware, dents, rust spots, cracked endcaps,
Look for standing water. If it’s not because of clogged gutters, check the gutter slope. Realign if it’s not enough of a pitch to guide water toward the downpipes.
End of Summer
Do a visual inspection of the roof – look for damage such as missing roof shingles or rust spots on flashing.
In preparation of a fall gutter cleaning, remove any debris and dirt from the roof.
Inspect the gutters and downspouts. If repairs are required, prioritize them, then get them done before the winter months.
Do some pest prevention maintenance on your home exterior.
When inspecting the roof look for signs of “traffic” – animal droppings or a line of damaged roof shingles leading toward the eaves can be an indication that critters such as squirrels, rats, or birids are travelling back and forth from nest to food source. Find the nest and carefully remove it. Ensure the gutters are spotless by spring – they will return “home” looking for their nest.
Inspect the foundation. Repair any cracks, holes, or pitting that can become larger, allowing critters to enter your basement.
Inspect the siding panels. Tighten loose hardware. Replace siding damaged be wood rot or rusting.
