The ‘Sunshine State’ isn’t as sunshiney as it seems and it’s about to rain! Florida rain showers are a year-long struggle. Although the “bulk” of the state’s storms are in September, homeowners will likely see rain showers from May through to October. This can be incredibly hard-hitting on houses’ gutters. Check out this blog to know how to prepare gutters for rainy season in your south Florida property.
As the skies start to darken, you should take the time to check your South Florida home’s gutters. If you do not, you will probably be dealing with basement water damage during the spring and summer showers, you’re in luck. We’re going to cover the five most effective ways you can brace your gutters for the South Florida rain.
What is a Rain Gutter?
See that metal material that’s installed on the sides of your roof? That’s a gutter. When it rains, the gutter, with its wide-open top, collects rainwater so that it doesn’t flow into the structure of the house. The rainwater travels down a downspout that redirects water into the ground. In short, a gutter is a catch-all that stops water from damaging your home.
Why Do You Need to Clean the Gutter?
Without a gutter, water will pool in various parts of your property. This can cause a wide variety of issues such as mold growth, decaying wood, and in general, damage. Water that doesn’t have anywhere to go will eventually seep into your house, and this can cause severe water damages that’ll need thousands of dollars to repair. According to Home Advisor, homeowners will spend anywhere between $1,074 and $4,090 on repairs. Moreover removing mold from surfaces can cost you some extra bucks.
5 Ways On How to Prepare Gutters For Rainy Season?
Do you want to pay thousands of dollars on repairs? We bet that your answer is “no”, because who would?
There are several ways to ensure that your real estate investment is ready for the rain. As we provide real estate management services we’re well aware of these types of issues. Here are some tried and tested tips from our experience that work great:
#1 Clean the Gutters
Your gutters are likely packed with goop and gunk (yuck, we know) that have piled up over the years. If this is the case, your gutters won’t be able to do what they’re designed to do because they’re clogged with debris. You can’t wait for the rain to wash it away, either, as this will only cause more debris to build up.
Fortunately, you can restore your gutter’s effectiveness with gloves and a garden trowel. Get on a ladder and slowly scoop out everything that’s logged in your gutters, or alternatively, use a garden hose for hard-to-reach spots.
Remember to be careful! If your roof is too high up, you should not attempt to get rid of the debris by yourself. It would be safer to hire professional house organizing and cleaning services in Florida.
Generally, you should clean the gutters when the weather is clear and when it has not been raining. This is because it can be a bother to clean the gutters while the dirt and debris are wet. The gunk will stick to the gutters, making it more challenging to get rid of them.
#2 Clean the Downspout
The downspout is where the rainwater will go after it flows from the gutters. After cleaning the gutters, do not forget to clean the downspout, as well. Remember that the downspout can also be clogged with debris – besides, what’s the point of clearing the gutters if the water doesn’t have a way to leave?
Give the rainwater a way to pass through by removing any debris in the downspout. By doing so, you’ll be able to direct water away from your house. Be sure to regularly inspect the downspout to ensure that it isn’t sagging or growing mold. If you’re rarely at home, your property management company can help you ensure that your downspouts are functioning properly.
#3 Inspect the Gutters
Once your gutters are free from gunk, check the structure for cracks, leaks, and the like. Basically, be on the lookout for damage that might cause rainwater to enter your home and cause basement flooding. Be sure to inspect the roof, too – if it’s falling apart, it could get washed away into the gutters, which will clog them.
Again, for your own safety, it would be wise to hire a property manager to coordinate the roof inspections for you. It’s also likely that you don’t know what to look for, so hiring a third-party contractor would be the best way to locate these problem areas.
#4 Trim the Trees
We strongly suggest trimming your trees during the spring and summer. This is because tiny branches can build up on your gutters and clog them. But that’s not all – these branches will pile up and tempt all sorts of critters and rodents to enter your home.
To prevent this, trim your trees and ensure that they aren’t hanging over your gutters. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
#5 Consider Gutter Screens and Guards
If you don’t have the time to clean your gutters, invest in a good old gutter screen or gutter guard. The former prevents your gutters from being filled with debris, however, it’s worth mentioning that it won’t be able to stop tiny debris such as pine needles, seeds, and dirt in general.
A gutter guard, on the other hand, is better at blocking debris, but it can be tricky to install. The downside is that you’ll still need to clean the gutter guard because it can become clogged.
Need Help With Gutter Maintenance?
We know that you don’t want to get up there to get rid of the gunk. That is why we provide full-service concierge services for your Florida luxury property that covers all facets of property maintenance – yes, even your roofs, gutters, and more.
Our team of professional property managers will coordinate repairs and inspections for you, so you never have to wonder if your home is ready for the rain. Luxury Property Care will make sure that it always is.
For more information, feel free to call us at (561) 944 – 2992 or contact us online.
