The Ultimate Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: Don't Forget Your Gutters!

Spring is the perfect time to refresh and revitalize your home after the wear and tear of the season. While many homeowners focus on deep cleaning the interior, it's just as important to maintain the exterior—including your gutters. Your gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage, but they can easily become clogged with debris, leading to costly repairs if neglected.

Follow this spring gutter maintenance checklist to ensure your home stays protected throughout the rainy season.

Clean Out Debris

After months of winter weather, gutters are often filled with leaves, twigs, and other debris that can block proper water flow. If gutters are clogged, rainwater can overflow, leading to roof damage and water pooling around your foundation.

Steps to clean your gutters:‍

Remove large debris by hand or with a scoop.

Flush out smaller particles with a garden hose.

Ensure downspouts are clear of blockages by running water through them.

How often should you clean your gutters?

• If your home is surrounded by trees, clean your gutters at least once per quarter.
• If trees aren’t nearby, cleaning them twice a year (spring and fall) is usually enough.

Inspect for Gutter Damage

Cold weather, leaves, pollen, and heavy winds can weaken gutters over time. Even if your gutters are clean, they might not be functioning properly due to damage.

Check for:
Cracks or holes in the gutter system.
Sections of gutters pulling away from the roofline.
Rust or corrosion on metal gutters.

• If damage is extensive, consider replacing sections or investing in a new system.

Check for Proper Water Flow

Gutters need to efficiently direct water away from your home to prevent foundation issues, leaks, and flooding. The best way to test this is by running water through your gutters with a hose.

Watch for these warning signs:
Water spilling over the sides – this indicates clogs.
Pooling water near the foundation – downspouts may not be properly directed.
Slow draining downspouts – there could be debris lodged inside.

Fixes:

• Use a drainage snake or high-pressure hose to clear stubborn downspout clogs.

Install Gutter Guards for Long-Term Protection

If you want to reduce the amount of cleaning required, consider installing gutter guards. These screens or covers prevent debris from accumulating while allowing water to flow through.

Benefits of gutter guards:
Minimize clogs and reduce cleaning frequency.
Prevent pests like birds and rodents from nesting in gutters.
Extend the lifespan of your gutter system.

While gutter guards significantly cut down on maintenance, they don’t eliminate the need for occasional cleaning—you’ll still want to check for small debris that might get through.

Schedule a Professional Gutter Inspection

Not sure if your gutters need cleaning, repair, or full replacement? A professional inspection can identify issues before they become costly problems.

When should you call for an inspection?

• If you haven’t cleaned your gutters in over 6 months.
• If you notice persistent leaks or overflowing water.
• If parts of your gutter system appear loose or detached.

At Capital City Gutter, we always ask, “When was the last time you cleaned your gutters?” before recommending repairs. In many cases, homeowners think they need new gutters when a thorough cleaning is all that’s needed!

Spring is the perfect time to make sure your gutters are in top shape before heavy rainstorms arrive. A clean, well-maintained gutter system protects your roof, foundation, and landscaping—saving you time and money in the long run.

If you’re unsure whether your gutters need cleaning, repair, or replacement, call Capital City Gutter today! Our experts can assess your system and help you get your home ready for spring.

Schedule your gutter inspection today!

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