Cleaning Your Gutters for Fall in Utah

Hello Utah homeowners!

Even though temperatures are still high, the trees are changing and leaves are falling, signaling it's officially the season of witches, cozy weather, and pumpkin spice. But before you head to Starbucks, consider how your gutters are looking on the side of your home: are they cleaned out? Are the leaves falling and leaving them heavy and in danger of overflow? To prep your home for the cooler months of fall -- and in turn, Winter -- there are a few considerations for your gutters in Salt Lake City, Bountiful, Ogden, and beyond.

Cleaning out your gutters is an important task that's often overlooked, but is essential for home maintenance -- especially  with the unpredictable weather of Utah.

Why you need to clean your gutters

Gutters play a vital role in directing rainwater and melting snow away from your home. Without them, water can pool around your foundation and lead to foundational or structural issues like leaks, creaks, and flooding. Because Utah has so many seasons (which often overlap with each other!), autumn can mean wind, falling leaves, and rain or snowstorms -- all of which can cause damage to your home or roof if you don't have the proper support from your gutters.

Strong Gutters Prevent Water Damage

Utah's fall season can bring sudden rainstorms or early snow. When gutters are clogged, water overflows, which can lead to damage on your roof, fascia boards, and siding. Over time, water can even seep into your home, causing interior damage such as stained ceilings, mold, and rot. Making sure your gutters AREN'T clogged will make sure none of these things happen, or at least lessen the chances significantly.

Prepares for Winter Snow

Utah’s winters can be harsh, with heavy snowfall and fluctuating temperatures. Cleaning your gutters ensures that snowmelt can drain properly. Blocked gutters during winter can lead to the formation of ice dams. These occur when water freezes in the gutters, preventing snowmelt from draining, and causing water to back up under your shingles. This can lead to serious roof damage and leaks inside your home.

Prevents Foundation Issues

When gutters are clogged, water spills over the edges and collects around the base of your home. Over time, this water can seep into the foundation, leading to cracks and erosion. In Utah, where the soil can shift due to freezing and thawing during winter, having excess moisture around the foundation exacerbates these issues.

When to Clean Your Gutters in Utah

The best time to clean your gutters in Utah is late fall, after most of the leaves have fallen but before the first heavy snow. Aim for mid-to-late October through November. However, if you have a lot of trees around your home, you may need to clean your gutters more than once during the fall season.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Cleaning gutters is a task many homeowners can handle themselves. All you need is a sturdy ladder, gloves, a garden trowel or gutter scoop, and a garden hose to flush out the remaining debris. Be sure to check for any signs of damage to the gutters, such as cracks, rust, or sagging, as these should be repaired before winter.

If you're not comfortable working on a ladder or have a multi-story home, it may be best to hire a professional gutter cleaning service. They can ensure the job is done thoroughly and safely, and many offer inspections to spot potential issues before they become costly repairs.

If your gutters break or falter, we can help!

We understand that things happen; a gutter still doesn't do the job because it's older or a large storm breaks it, or the task of cleaning gets overlooked because of your busy life, which can lead to damage. That's where our gutter repair services in Bountiful, Ogden, Salt Lake City and surrounding areas can help. We are fast, friendly, and affordable, and can get your home back to having the right protection!