Falling Leaves Are Beautiful—Until They Clog Your Gutters

Falling Leaves Are Beautiful—Until They Clog Your Gutters

Fall leaves may make your yard look beautiful, but they can create problems when they collect in your gutters.

Clogged gutters can prevent rainwater from flowing properly and may contribute to water collecting around your home's foundation.

Your Fall Gutter Checklist

• Clean the gutters. Remove leaves, pine needles and other debris.
• Check the downspouts. Make sure water flows freely through them and that they direct water away from your foundation.
• Look for sagging. Gutters that are pulling away from the house may need to be repaired or resecured.
• Inspect for leaks. Look for water stains or dripping joints during or after rainfall.
• Don't forget the roof. Remove accumulated leaves from roof valleys and other areas where debris collects - but leave roof work to a professional if you're not comfortable or equipped to do it safely.

And don't assume you're finished after one cleaning. Georgia's fall leaves can continue dropping for weeks, so check your gutters again later in the season.

Homeowner tip: If your home is surrounded by mature trees, consider putting gutter cleaning on your recurring fall maintenance calendar rather than treating it as a one-time project.