Your gutters are your roof’s first line of defense against the elements. By diverting rainwater to the drains, they protect your roof from moisture damage. To ensure your gutters are able to do their job, you need to take the necessary precautions to protect them from swinging tree limbs and wind-driven debris, which might leave dents or even dislodge your gutter system.
Four Star Roofing, your trusted roofing and siding contractor, shares tips on protecting your gutters from wind damage below:
Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Overhanging tree branches might scratch the protective coating on your metal gutters and roof, leaving them vulnerable to corrosion. Not to mention falling overhanging tree branches can damage your roof. That’s why you should trim overhanging tree branches before they cause any damage.
Maintain At Least Two Feet of Space Between Your Home and the Surrounding Trees
To make sure swinging tree branches don’t scratch your gutters or roof, there should be at least two feet of space between your home and the surrounding foliage.
Check If the Gutter Fasteners Were Loosened By Strong Winds
Strong winds, which move your gutters back and forth, can loosen the gutter fasteners. Without sufficient support from the fasteners, sections of your gutters may start to sag.
Important note: you might also want to check if your gutter’s fasteners are suited to your climate. For instance, metal spikes and ferrules aren’t the best choice for areas that experience extreme temperatures. That’s because they’re loosened over time by thermal movement (contractions and expansions brought about by abrupt changes in temperature).
Remember: there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach in home improvement projects, and gutter replacements are no exception. To learn more about your options, consult one of your local residential roofers. Since they’re familiar with the local climate, they can make better recommendations.
Have Your Gutters Routinely Cleaned
As a general rule, you should clean your gutters at least twice every year (and every three months if there are a lot of trees near your home).
Looking for experienced roofers near you? Four Star Roofing, a company with over 35 years of experience, offers a wide range of professional roofing services, including roof and gutter replacement services. To get a free estimate, call us at (281) 359-7663 or fill out this form.
