Gutters and Gutter Guards Before and After a Hurricane
Since
hurricane season is here
and is expected to be especially active this year, we’ve been talking a lot about how to prepare. As it happens, your gutters, downspouts, and gutter guards
need special attention both before and after a hurricane.
Let’s talk “before,” first. If you haven’t cleaned your gutters yet there is no more time to waste. Get it done professionally if you don’t have the time, but get it done.
Remember, hurricanes produce profound amounts of rain. If your gutters are clogged all of that rain is going to spill over like a waterfall, where it will attack your foundations, your roof, your siding and more.
As it is, you’ll need to clean your gutters again after the hurricane. While normal weather makes gutter cleaning a twice-annual task, a hurricane will absolutely blow debris right back into your gutters.
You will, of course, want to work when it’s safe to do so. Don’t tackle your gutters when there are downed trees and power lines everywhere. But get the job done ASAP.
What about your gutter guards? Before the first hurricane arrives you’ll need to take the time to do a visual inspection.
Make sure the gutter guards are installed evenly and enclosed at the end. This will help you reduce damage later.
After the storm you’ll want to check those guards again. Gutter guards can get blown off of your home. If this happens, it’s prudent to replace the missing guard sections right away.
Next, take a look at your downspouts. Make sure they’re sending water far away from your home. If not, consider building a downspout drainage system.
After the storm, you’ll simply need to check that your downspouts are not clogged and that your drainage system is working correctly. Make adjustments and repairs as necessary.
If you live in St. Petersburg, Largo, Clearwater or Tampa you’re within our service area. Reach out to us for help with your gutters if you need it! Simply fill out the quick contact form to the right to get a free estimate on any pre-or-post hurricane gutter cleaning or repair services that you might need.






