We all know what’s coming—cooler nights, shorter days, and leaves everywhere.
Fall in Michigan is beautiful, no doubt about it, but it’s also the season when your gutters go to work overtime. And if yours are old, leaky, or pulling away from the house, it may be time to think about replacing them before those leaves start flying.
At BC Exteriors, we spend a lot of time on rooftops, and we’ve seen what failing gutters can do when they’re not up to the task—especially in late summer and early fall. The good news? A little prep now can save you a lot of headaches (and water damage) later.
So, Why Replace Gutters Before Fall?
- Heavy Leaf Buildup Is Coming
Michigan trees don’t mess around. When leaves start falling, they pile up fast—and old or sagging gutters just can’t keep up. If your gutters are already struggling to handle summer rains, they’re going to be overwhelmed by what fall brings. - Water Damage Can Sneak Up on You
Clogged or cracked gutters can’t move water away from your home the way they’re supposed to. That water builds up and can cause serious issues like:
- Roof edge rot
- Fascia and soffit damage
- Siding staining
- Foundation erosion
- Basement leaks
And here’s the thing: by the time you see the damage, it’s already been happening for a while.
- Winter Is Next—And That’s a Whole Different Battle
If your gutters aren’t functioning properly in the fall, it sets you up for even more trouble in the winter. Ice dams, gutter separation, and frozen overflow can all lead to costly repairs once the snow hits.
Enter: Gutter Guards
If you haven’t heard of gutter guards—or you’ve just never looked into them—this is the perfect time.
Gutter guards are mesh or screen-like covers that go over your gutters to keep leaves, sticks, and other debris out while still letting water flow in and drain properly. Think of them like a filter for your gutter system.
Why we recommend them:
- Dramatically reduce clogs and cleanouts
- Help prevent water overflow and backups
- Add years to the life of your gutter system
- Lower the chance of ice dams in winter
- Help keep pests and critters out
We’ve installed guards for hundreds of local homeowners and the response is almost always the same: “Why didn’t we do this sooner?”
How to Know It’s Time
You might want to consider new gutters (and guards) if:
- Your gutters are sagging, pulling away, or rusting
- Water spills over the sides during a rainstorm
- You’ve noticed water stains or rotting near the roofline
- Your basement has unexplained moisture
- You’re cleaning out your gutters more than twice a season
Let’s Get You Ready for Fall
Whether your gutters just need a few repairs, a full replacement, or you’re curious about adding guards, we’re here to help. As always, we’ll give you a no-pressure inspection and walk you through what we see—clear, honest, and in plain language.
Reach out at 248-688-0211 or fill out the form on our homepage to schedule an estimate or inspection.
Let’s make sure your home is ready before the leaves (and problems) start piling up.