5 Tips to Prepare Gutters for a Major Storm: Keep your Home Protected!

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for emergency storm damage service!

The most important thing a homeowner can do is to prepare gutters when a severe storm is brewing!

It's that time of year again. The leaves are changing color, the air is getting warmer, and before you know it, summer will be here. Unfortunately, this also means that it's time to prepare your home for the harsh weather conditions that lie ahead. One of the most important things you can do to protect your home is to ensure your gutters are ready for a storm.

The professionals at SERVPRO of North Fulton receive multiple calls during the spring months regarding flooding and water damage in residential homes. However, homeowners could have prevented many of these calls with some simple gutter maintenance.

In the following blog post, we will share five easy tips to prepare your gutters for a significant storm and help keep your home and its inhabitants safe and protected from the damaging effects of heavy rains and flooding.

Why is it essential to prepare gutters?

You can prepare yourself for some of the worst mother nature offers by preparing your gutters when a severe storm is brewing.

Indeed, one doesn't need to live in an area susceptible to hurricanes or floods to prepare gutters. However, drastically heavy rainfall and runoff caused by other adverse conditions such as spring storms can also have a disastrous effect if your home isn't adequately protected.

SERVPRO of North Fulton has seen firsthand the devastation caused by neglecting to prepare gutters for an oncoming storm. We have responded to countless water damage calls in which homeowners failed to take the necessary precautions, and as a result, their homes and belongings were left severely damaged.

In some cases, the damage caused by neglecting to prepare your gutters can be so severe that it renders your home uninhabitable. Therefore, it's essential to take the necessary steps to protect your home and prepare your gutters for a storm.

How can you prepare your gutters for a storm? 

By following the five easy tips below, you can help keep your home and its inhabitants safe and protected from the detrimental effects of heavy rains and flooding. 

1. Inspect your gutters

The first step in preparing your gutters for a storm is to inspect them for any damages. Start by checking for any cracks, holes, or other damage that may have occurred over the winter months.

If you notice any missing screws or brackets, it's essential to repair them immediately. Failure to do so could result in further damage to your gutters or even your home if water can seep through the cracks and reach the interior of your home.

2. Check/install gutter guards

If you don't already have gutter guards installed, now is the time to do so! Gutter guards help keep leaves and other debris from clogging your gutters and causing them to overflow.

3. Trim trees and branches

Another critical step in preparing your gutters for a storm is to trim any trees or branches hanging over your gutters. Overhanging branches can cause leaves and other debris to fall into your gutters, so it's essential to trim them back before a storm hits.

4. Clean your gutters

After you've inspected and repaired your gutters, it's time to give them a good cleaning. A deep clean will help ensure that they are free of any debris that could clog them and cause them to overflow during a spring storm.

5. Check your downspouts

In addition to checking your gutters, it's also essential to check your downspouts to make sure they are clear of debris. Downspouts clogged with leaves and other debris can cause water to back up into your gutters and eventually cause them to overflow.

What to do when malfunctioning gutters cause water damage?

If you don't have time to prepare your gutters before a storm hits, don't worry! SERVPRO of North Fulton is here to help. We are available 24/7 to respond to any storm damage emergencies you may have.

We have the experience and training from the IICRC to quickly and efficiently restore your home to its pre-storm condition. We will use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to remove any water and moisture from your home and repair any damages that may have occurred. In addition, we also offer mold remediation services to help prevent the growth of mold and mildew in your home.

If you find yourself in need of storm damage restoration services, don't hesitate to contact us! We are always here to help!