The cooler breezes and falling leaves are a reminder that a change of seasons and winter rains are just around the corner. It’s also the time to consider performing roof and rain gutter maintenance here in the city. The following are 5 helpful tips for proper rain gutter care before the rainy season is upon us.
Clean your rain gutters on a regular basis – regardless of the gutter system and roofing materials that your home was constructed with, roofer in San Jose should inspect them every 6 months and clean them whenever necessary. The best time to do this is in spring after the last frost and fall prior to the start of inclement weather.
You and your family’s safety are the #1 priority – some jobs are best left up to skilled professionals. However, if you’re okay with climbing a ladder and walking across your roof, consider using a standalone ladder (if possible) as well as wearing protective eye-wear and thick gloves.
Clear away all debris that has accumulated – whether leaf-guards have been installed or not, any rain gutter requires the most basic care and maintenance. Be sure to remove all debris that has built-up since the last time you tended to your gutters. Leaves, sticks, and other debris should be removed as this constitutes a fire hazard. You can use your hands provided you wear protective gloves or use a trowel if you prefer. Failure to maintain your rain gutters accelerates wear, creates blockages, and causes moisture to accumulate under the shingles.
Inspect rain gutters for leaks and make repairs as needed – once you’ve removed all debris, flush all residue off gutters and downspouts with a hose while at the same time checking for leaks. Even the smallest clog or leak can become a serious, costly problem if left unattended. If you do discover a leak, use a patch kit or silicone to seal them and prevent any further problems. And if you are unable to do it all on your own, it is good to call in the professionals. They will evaluate the leak and help plug it so that the damage is minimized.
Most importantly, hire a local roofing contractor– assessing the condition of your roof and its rain gutters can be risky for an unskilled person, especially when it comes to higher, sloped roofing styles. You should consider hiring a roofing contractor that has the experience and expertise required to perform proper rain gutter maintenance if you’re unsure of what should be done. Why not contact Falcon Roofing today and let us help you save time and money by learning proper rain gutter care and maintenance.