Fall Gutter Maintenance

Ladder Mount™ will protect your gutters from damage and prevent ladders from slipping.

The crisp chill in the air and falling leaves are nature’s gentle reminder that summer has come to an end. Those falling leaves can be a nuisance to gutters (also known as eaves-troughs) if proper precautions aren’t taken.

While it’s still dry the leaves won’t cause many problems however once the heavy rain starts or the snow falls problems will begin to pop-up. Clogged gutters mean that the water can’t properly drain and the water begins to pool which can lead to problems with the roof, siding, soffits, fascia, windows, doors, and foundations.

Here are some simple tips to ensure that your gutters are running smoothly:

1. Clear out gutters - By hand or using a small trowel, remove leaves, pine needles, acorns and any stray toys that may have found their way up there.
2. Rinse gutters - Using a garden hose or jugs of water rinse out any dirt or fine debris. Watch the water as it drains to see if there are any leaks that need to be sealed. The seems are the most common place for a gutter to fail.
3. Inspect - Check that the gutters are securely anchored to the home and ensure that there are no gaps between the fascia and the gutter. Check that downspouts and diverters are working properly.
4. Fix any problems that you identify. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
5. Safety is #1 - Inspect your ladder before use, place it on level ground and avoid over-reaching. To prevent gutter damage and stop your ladder from slipping use a Ladder Mount™ to stabilize your ladder.

Proper maintenance will keep your gutters healthy and practicing safe ladder use will keep you from sustaining serious injury.

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