You know what’s worse than a sudden storm? Realizing your gutters aren’t doing their job… during that storm. Overflowing water. Damaged siding. Leaks in your attic. It all starts with your gutters. Neglecting them can quietly ruin your roof from the outside in. If gutter cleaning and repair haven’t been on your to-do list lately, now’s the perfect time to change that.
So, how do you get your gutters in shape this season? Let’s break it down.
Common Issues to Watch For
Your gutters are up against a lot: leaves, twigs, pollen, nests, and the occasional frisbee. When debris builds up, it blocks the water. Instead of draining away from, rainwater spills over the edges, collects around your foundation, or backs up under your shingles.
Here are a few signs something’s wrong:
- Water spilling over the sides during a storm
- Sagging or pulling away from the house
- Cracks, holes, or rust spots
- Pools of water near your foundation after rain
- Plant growth (yes, your gutters can sprout a garden)
If you’re noticing any of these, it’s time to act.
Clean Your Gutters
Spring and fall are the sweet spots for gutter cleaning. In the spring, melting snow and frequent rains make clearing out the debris that built up over the winter a priority. During the fall, leaves become the main culprit. That means, if you don’t live in an area where leaves are a problem, you can probably get away with one annual cleaning. Otherwise, plan for two.
But clean gutters aren’t just about removing gunk. They’re about preserving your entire roofing system. When your gutters are clean, they direct water where it’s supposed to go: away from your home.
Gutter Inspections
You don’t need to climb up to the roof every weekend, but giving your gutters a quick once-over a few times a season can help you catch problems early.
Look for:
- Loose brackets or spikes
- Water stains on the siding beneath the gutters
- Signs of rust or corrosion
- Blocked or disconnected downspouts
Not all damage is visible from the ground. If you’re unsure or you’re dealing with hard-to-reach areas, consider calling in professional gutter services. A trained eye can spot issues you might miss and fix them before they hit your wallet.
Gutter Guards
Tired of scooping muck out of your gutters? That’s fair. You may not be able to prevent it forever, but you can certainly cut it back!
Gutter guards help prevent leaves and debris from clogging up your system in the first place. While they don’t make your gutters completely maintenance-free, they cut down on cleaning and reduce the risk of water damage.
There are several types of guards—mesh, reverse-curve, bottle brush—each with their pros and cons. A professional can help you choose what works best for your home and climate.
Other Preventative Measures
Gutters are about more than just… well, gutters. They’re about the entire water management system around your home.
Other helpful tips:
- Make sure your downspouts extend at least four feet from your home’s foundation
- Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back to minimize debris
- Inspect your roof shingles for signs of water backup or damage
- Schedule regular roofing inspections in spring and/or fall
And remember, not every issue can, or should, be handled alone. Professional gutter repair and maintenance services will take care of the hard stuff: steep roofs, multi-story homes, and hidden damage.
Ready to Prep for Spring?
Your roof does a lot of heavy lifting—but it can’t do it alone. Clean, functional gutters are your home’s first defense against water damage, and they deserve just as much attention.
Staying on top of your gutters is one of the simplest ways to protect your roof (and everything under it). At Rutter Roofing & Exteriors, our expert team offers comprehensive gutter repair and cleaning services designed to keep your home safe, dry, and ready for the season, whatever the weather may bring.
Call us today to schedule your appointment—and take one more thing off your spring cleaning to-do list.
