Maintaining your home’s gutters can be arduous, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are five tips to help you maintain your gutters efficiently and effectively so you don’t have to worry about them getting out of hand when spring comes around again next year.

Even if you take excellent care of your gutters and ensure that leaves and other debris don’t build up around them, extreme weather can still cause problems. High winds can blow branches or other items into your gutters, causing gutter damage. Consider investing in gutter protection such as screens that prevent smaller debris from making its way into gutters. Water running off your roof in high amounts can cause erosion on your foundation or lift shingles due to force; after it rains or snows heavily, keep an eye out for leaks on your ceiling from where rainwater is leaking through to your home’s interior.

One of the easiest ways to prevent problems with your gutters is to schedule routine inspections and maintenance. A thorough inspection will help you identify any issues before they cause damage or become a safety hazard. In most cases, damaged gutters can be repaired quickly and at a relatively low cost but left unattended; these issues may turn into costly repairs or replacements.

Cleaning your gutters is a chore, but it’s an important one. Leaks can cause mould or rot to grow around your foundation, which can weaken its structural integrity. You’ll also have issues with water getting into your home through windows and doors.

While you may not think of your trees and bushes as being in cahoots with your gutters, they work together to promote water damage to your home. Fallen leaves, twigs, and branches can clog up gutters, which makes it difficult for rainwater to drain off properly. Regularly inspect your gutter system and clear out any debris that you find. If you want to take things a step further, prune back excess foliage, so it doesn’t get into contact with your home’s exterior.

Give your gutters a once-over and make sure they’re in good condition. Make sure there are no holes or cracks that could cause leaks. If your gutters are made of aluminium, you may want to consider having them replaced before any damage occurs because aluminium is highly susceptible to rusting. Be on the lookout for rust or pitting—these are clear signs it’s time to replace your gutters.