Spring is on the way, and after the harsh winter we just had Spring Maintenance is a must!! 

Always start at the top…….. chimneys, roofs, gutter repair, or replacement are on top so start there. You don’t want to fix the gutters after you have the windows washed!  We do our best not to dirty the windows but as the gutters are cleaned debris can splatter onto the windows. 

Here is a simple gutter maintenance checklist to help you out.

Exterior Inspection check everything high up!  You don’t want to forget anything!

Spring Gutter Maintenance Checklist – Spike & ferrules in older homes pulling away from the gutter where you can see the nail head popping out.

  • Lines in your landscape below the gutter
  • Mold in areas below where gutters are in place
  • Rotting deck boards, windowsills, windows,  garage doors, and regular doors below where gutters are in place
  • Erosion in landscape or mulch beds
  • Cracking or upheaval of sidewalks, patios, driveways and stairs
  • Dips or back pitch in gutters
  • Gutter hanging off the home
  • Downspout disconnected from gutter or home
  • Water in the basement and home
  • Overflowing gutters that have been properly maintained may indicate a more serious problem

Roof  Maintenance –  Check for shingle shift, cracked or missing shingles.  Maybe there are nail pops where water to get in. Slate or cedar roof?  Always get the roof repaired as water can seep into the underlying material and get into the attic.

Chimneys  –  If you have a masonry chimney, check the joints between bricks or stones. Have any fallen out?  Each signals water infiltration. Also, look for efflorescence—”a white calcium-like deposit that indicates your masonry joints are no longer repelling water.

Exterior Walls – Whether you have wood siding, stucco or brick, look for trouble spots, especially under eaves and near gutter downspouts. Water stains normally indicate that your gutters are not adequately containing roof runoff. If you have wood siding, check for openings, damaged areas or knots that have popped out, making way for carpenter ants, woodpeckers and other critters that may nest in or burrow through.

Foundations – When inspecting the exterior of your home, be sure to examine the foundation from top to bottom for masonry cracks. Consider re-sealing masonry with a clear, impermeable or water-resistant barrier material (like Thoroseal products). Brush it on, small areas at a time; let it absorb for 15 minutes, then reapply—it may need a couple of applications.

Hope this helps and as always give us a call for a no-cost estimate for gutter repairs, replacement, or cleanings!!