As North Carolina mountain towns hit peak levels of fall colors, the Piedmont Triad is starting to see its first shades of yellow, red, and orange pop against still mostly green leaves. The next couple weeks, however, are going to be huge for leaf peepers as bright autumn hues eventually bathe our region.
While this year’s fall foliage is set to be incredibly vibrant in the Appalachians, leaf droppings are inevitable as we head into the winter months. This season, homeowners should pay careful attention to leaves and other debris that may collect in gutters and downspouts, potentially causing harm to their properties.
During a downpour, a clogged gutter can send substantial amounts of water down the side of your home, potentially damaging the siding, foundation, and landscaping. Thoroughly cleaning and inspecting your gutters in the fall will help to keep them in good working condition.
To clean gutters, climb a ladder and remove all the large leaves and debris that may be sitting in them. This can be done with a trowel or small shovel. Pay close attention to the area around the downspout. If there is clogging, it won’t drain properly, which can cause your gutters to sag.
The decomposed debris that you remove will make great mulch or compost for your garden. To remove finer materials, flush the gutter with a hose — starting at the opposite end of the downspout. If the water isn’t draining properly, recheck the downspout to be certain nothing is clogging it.
Most gutters are held onto homes by using a metal spike and ferrule. Check all the spikes that are meant to go through the gutter, the fascia board, and into the rafter behind it. If the gutter spikes are in questionable condition, it’s a good idea to invest in new ones to ensure that the gutters are securely fastened.
Inspect gutters for holes and cracked caulking that could cause leaks. If the caulking needs to be replaced, use a chisel or metal scraper to remove the current caulking and then thoroughly dry the area. Replace with a new caulking sealant and follow the suggested drying directions.
Is there anything that The Sharpe Mortgage Team can do for you this week? If you’re interested in purchasing a home or refinancing your current home in Winston-Salem or the surrounding areas, give us a call! We can discuss your financial goals and discuss a loan program that might be right for you.
