Summer Gutter Guard Inspection Tips for Moore Homes
When you think of summer in Moore, Oklahoma, you probably think of backyard barbecues, trips to nearby lakes, and blasting the air conditioner. Cleaning and checking your gutters is likely the furthest thing from your mind. After all, if you already have gutter guards installed, you probably figure your system is totally taken care of.
Summer gutter guard inspections for Moore, OK homes are crucial because the city experiences intense thunderstorm seasons that bring heavy rains, hail, and wind. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that severe storms are the leading cause of billion-dollar weather disasters in Oklahoma, with the state experiencing a dramatic rise in these extreme weather events over recent years. When those massive Oklahoma downpours hit, your home relies on a flawless gutter system to handle the sudden deluge. Taking a few minutes to check your gutter covers now will save you from major headaches when the next big storm rolls in.
Why Do Gutter Guards Need Summer Inspections?
It is easy to assume that gutter guards are a “set it and forget it” solution. While they do an incredible job of keeping out big tree branches and piles of autumn leaves, summer brings its own unique problems to Cleveland County.
Our local environment has specific elements that can sneak past or settle on top of your guards. During late spring and early summer, Eastern Cottonwood trees release a massive amount of fluffy, cotton-like seeds. This fluff mixes with dirt and roof grit, creating a thick paste that can mat down over the mesh of your guards.
Furthermore, Oklahoma summers are prime time for the Asian Tiger Mosquito. If your guards are slightly blocked and causing water to pool, you have inadvertently created the perfect breeding ground for these pests. A quick summer look ensures that your system is breathing easily and keeping pests away from your back patio.
What Are The Key Inspection Points For Summer?
When you head outside to look over your system, you want to focus on a few specific areas to make sure everything survives the summer heat and high winds.
- Debris Traps: Look closely at the surface of your covers. Even with great guards, fine materials like pine needles, seed pods, and dirt can settle into the mesh. You can usually clear this away easily. Use a low-pressure garden hose or a leaf blower to clear the surface of the guards. Avoid power washers on a high setting, as they can force debris into the gutter system or damage the guard material.
- Pest Check: Peek along the edges and underneath the covers if possible. Look for insect breeding grounds in standing water or bird and rodent nests tucked beneath the hidden spots of the covers.
- Flow Test: Grab your garden hose, bring it up to the roofline, and run the water safely to watch how it flows over the guards and into the trough. If water overshoots the gutter entirely, your guards may be clogged with invisible oily residue from your shingles, or the gutter pitch itself may be misaligned.
- Alignment And Fasteners: Look for sagging gutters or black streaks on your fascia boards, often called tiger striping. Check that all fasteners and brackets are secure against the house. Severe spring storms and the sheer weight of saturated debris can cause gutters to pull away from the wood.
How Does Summer Weather Impact Your Foundation?
Your gutter system is actually your home’s main defense against structural foundation damage. When rain dumps inches of water in an hour, your gutters collect that water and route it away from your concrete slab. If your guards are blocked, water pours over the sides, pooling directly next to your home.
The International Residential Code outlines strict guidelines for residential water management, specifying that builders must ensure roof runoff terminates safely away from foundations to prevent structural failure. Oklahoma soil has a high clay content, which expands significantly when soaked and shrinks when dry. This constant shifting is what causes foundations to crack.
Ensure downspout extensions are directing water at least 4 to 6 feet away from your home’s foundation to prevent erosion and basement flooding during heavy downpours. Moving the water past this critical splash zone keeps the soil around your home stable and dry.
When Should You Call In The Professionals?
If you notice your gutters are pulling away from your roofline, or if you simply do not feel comfortable balancing on a ladder in the summer heat, it is time to bring in local experts. A professional team has the right tools to safely clean, realign, and secure your system so it is ready for whatever the Oklahoma sky throws at it next. If you want to make sure your home stays protected all summer long, call Mr Gutter at (405) 602-1609 to schedule an expert inspection for your Moore, OK property.