1-7-15:
We are once again reminded of the cold bite of winter as the 'Polar Vortex' rushes back into our area this week. When the cold is this intense it is very difficult to stay productive on job sites. It is in times like these that we reflect on missed opportunities and lay our plans for the future.
Often, that means getting a clear picture of what maintenance items should have been taken care of on our roofs and in our gutters. One of the best ways to prevent roof, wall, and foundation leaks is to clean your gutters on a bi-annual basis. We recommend once around Thanksgiving and once more in the Spring. For our area, Derby usually serves as an adequate marker for when the gutters should be cleaned in the Spring. When the real cold sets in, it can be almost impossible to dislodge frozen chunks of leaf debris and ice, not to mention the risk of potential damage to your gutters in the process. Properly working gutters and downspouts can help you avoid having dangerous icicles hanging above your entryways or overflow that puddles and freezes on your walkways.
Also, just because you have gutter protection (screens, brushes, or smooth surface covers) don't make the mistake of neglecting to check your gutters for clogs. These protection systems work well and in most cases keep the gutters and downspouts free of debris. However, small leafs and pine needles can still find their way in (cypress and birch are notorious). If you have gutter covers on your home, we recommend visually inspecting the gutters at least once every 2 years. There are several benefits to this: you can remove any clogs or debris that has made its way in, you can inspect the caulked seams of your aluminum gutters to make sure they are still watertight, and you can verify that all of your gutter hangers are still in place and securely fastened to your gutter boards. Many homeowners have let their gutters and fascia boards fall into disrepair because of a false sense of security due to having gutter covers installed. As the old saying goes ' an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure'.
Regularly scheduled gutter cleanings offer an opportunity to get a close look at the condition of the roofing material on your home and also keep your gutters in good repair.