Your Gutters - What Seasons Are Best for Inspection and Replacement?

Spring is one of the hardest-working times of the year for your gutters. Buildings and homes in cold climates will see melting snow and ice that produce plenty of water for the gutters to redirect. Budding, flowering trees leave debris throughout the gutter system. And the spring is often the rainiest time of year. These factors mean this may not be the best time to undertake a major replacement if the need isn't urgent.

However, this is a great time to assess your gutter's true condition. With so much going on, you get the complete story about your gutters. While weather is bad, you should examine for leaks, cracks, overflowing sections, unsealed seams, and sagging when the gutters are weighted.

Because it's dry and days are longer, summer is often an ideal season for gutter maintenance, repairs, and replacement. Your view of the gutters is best because they're least likely to be covered by snow, leaves, and debris. Weather delays will also be fewer, and conditions are safer for those working on and around the roof. You can also work out all the kinks before bad weather sets in again in the fall.

However, because this is a popular time to do major gutter work, you will see more competition for quality roof companies in the summer. This may be exacerbated if the area suffered harsh spring storms or if icy weather often comes in the early fall instead of winter. Fortunately, homeowners usually have the most leeway during the calm months of summer to spend time getting things done right.

Like spring, fall is a wet and wild season when gutters have to do a lot of work. This means this may or may not be the best time to install new gutters. But, as with spring, stormy and rainy days are a good time to see how well yours work.

The primary difference between inspecting your gutters in spring and doing so in fall is that you have more urgency in autumn. If you discover gutter deficiencies in spring, you can wait for better weather to deal with them. However, if you discover problems in the fall, don't wait. The reason? Winter will put tremendous strain on gutters, and this can exacerbate problems and even result in worse damage.

Gutter replacement in the winter generally isn't recommended. But if your gutters are in bad shape and cause ongoing problems, don't wait until the season is over. While it may take some effort to complete major work when the weather is bad, waiting too long can damage the roof, foundation, or siding of the home - especially if you expect snow and ice in winter.

Want to know more about your particular gutters and how to schedule anything from routine maintenance to complete overhauls in your climate? Start by meeting with an experienced gutter servicing company in your area. They will help you find the right schedule for all your work.

Mr. Gutter, LLC, has assisted Virginia home and business owners for over 30 years. We can help you keep your gutters in the best shape possible, no matter what time of year it is. Call today to make an appointment.