Gutter Winterization 101: 5 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Home for VT & NH Snow

Your 5-Step Checklist to Get Rain Gutters Ready for Winter

1. The Essential Clean-Out: Clear Out ALL Debris

This is the most crucial step. Even if you have gutter covers, a quick check is a good idea. For uncovered gutters, autumn leaves, pine needles, and shingle grit have been accumulating all summer and early fall. If left unchecked, this debris will pack down, absorb water, and become a solid, frozen block when temperatures drop.

• How To: Carefully (and safely!) remove all leaves, twigs, and sediment from your gutters. Pay extra attention to downspout openings, ensuring they are completely clear. For seamless gutters, this process is usually much simpler as there are fewer joints for debris to snag on.

2. Inspect for Visible Damage: Look for Loose or Sagging Sections

Before winter's weight settles in, give your gutters a visual once-over. Are there any sections that appear to be pulling away from the fascia? Do you see noticeable sags?

• How To: From the ground, look along the entire length of your gutters. If you spot any damage, this is the time to address it. Loose gutters won't be able to handle heavy snow and ice, and are more prone to tearing away completely. If you find significant issues, it's best to call a professional before winter.

3. Ensure Downspouts Are Clear and Extended

A clear gutter is useless if the downspout is clogged or isn't directing water far enough away from your foundation.

• How To: After clearing the main gutter troughs, run some water through your downspouts to ensure they flow freely. Make sure any downspout extensions are securely attached and directing water at least 5-10 feet away from your home's foundation to prevent pooling and potential basement flooding when snow melts.

4. Consider the Benefits of Gutter Covers (If You Don't Have Them Already)

If you’re routinely cleaning out massive amounts of leaves, October is an ideal time to think about a long-term solution. Gutter covers prevent debris from entering your gutters in the first place, drastically reducing the need for cleaning.

• Why Now? Installing gutter covers before the bulk of the leaves fall (and certainly before snow) can save you the hassle this year and for many winters to come, making them a wise investment. They're also excellent at preventing critters from nesting in your gutters.

5. Think About Snow Guards for Added Protection

For homes in Vermont and New Hampshire, heavy snow is inevitable. As large sheets of snow and ice slide off your roof, they can rip gutters clean off your home, damage landscaping, and pose a serious hazard to anyone below.

• Why It Matters: Snow guards are small, strategically placed devices that break up the sliding snow and ice, allowing it to melt and shed gradually. This protects your gutters, keeps pathways clear, and enhances safety. October is a great time to evaluate if your home could benefit from this added layer of winter defense.

Taking these few proactive steps now can save you significant time, money, and stress once the harsh New England winter truly arrives. Your gutters are your home's first line of defense against water damage – make sure they're ready for the challenge.

Is your home truly ready for winter?

Contact SNJ Seamless Rain Gutters today for a free estimate on seamless gutters, durable gutter covers, or snow guard installation to ensure your home is fully protected this winter!