When the crew packs up and the yard sign goes in, your new 6 inch seamless gutters are ready to work. A good install does most of the heavy lifting, but a little attention through the year keeps your gutters flowing the way they should. Here is a simple routine for homeowners in Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Yulee, Callahan and the rest of Northeast Florida.
The first few storms
The first heavy rain after an install is a great time to step outside, stay dry under a porch or overhang, and watch your new system in action. Look for:
- Water flowing steadily toward the downspouts.
- Downspouts running strong at the bottom.
- No water spilling over the front of the gutters.
- Water landing away from the house, not pooling by the foundation.
If anything looks off, give us a call. It is much easier to adjust something early than to wait.
A simple seasonal routine
Northeast Florida does not have a long fall like up north, but trees still drop plenty. Oaks shed leaves, pines drop needles year round, and spring brings pollen and seed pods. A basic routine:
- Spring: Look for pollen, catkins and seed pods building up in the gutters, especially near trees.
- Before hurricane season: Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear so they can handle heavy rain. Our hurricane season checklist covers the rest.
- Late fall and winter: Check again after oaks drop their leaves.
- After any big storm: Look for branches, sagging spots or downspouts knocked loose.
Homes under heavy tree cover may need more frequent checks. If cleaning starts to feel like a constant chore, gutter guards can help.
Keep downspouts clear
A gutter can only drain as fast as its downspouts. Clogs often form at the top of the downspout where it connects to the gutter, or at the bottom where it turns. If water backs up in the gutter while the downspout barely trickles, a clog is the likely cause. Clearing it early keeps water from spilling over and soaking the ground by your foundation.
Watch the ground below
Your gutters move water off the roof, but the job is not done until that water is away from the house. After rain, look at where each downspout empties. Washed out mulch, bare soil or standing water are signs the water needs to go further. Splash blocks, extensions or underground drainage can carry it out into the yard.
Things to avoid
- Leaning ladders on the gutters. Rest a ladder against the wall or use a standoff so you do not dent the gutter.
- Hanging heavy decorations. Holiday lights are fine with proper clips, but avoid hanging heavy items from the gutter.
- Pressure washing straight into the gutters. Spraying up under the roof edge can push water where it does not belong.
- Climbing when it is unsafe. If you are not comfortable on a ladder, leave it to a pro.
We are here when you need us
The LePierre Roofing Gutter Division installs, repairs and cleans gutters across Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Yulee, Callahan, Hilliard, Jacksonville, Kingsland and St. Marys. Whether you need new gutters, a cleaning or a quick look after a storm, call (904) 277-3000 or request a free estimate.
