Yeah, storms have a way of teaching us lessons we'd rather skip, don't they? Had a customer last year who insisted his gutters were "fine" after a quick glance from the ground. Fast forward two weeks—he calls me up in a panic because water was pouring down his siding and pooling around the foundation. Turns out a tennis ball had lodged itself perfectly in the downspout. Seriously, you'd be amazed at the stuff I've pulled out of gutters... checking after heavy rains is smart, but it's also worth climbing up there once or twice between seasons just to make sure nothing weird is lurking around.
Yeah, it's funny how gutters seem totally harmless until they're suddenly causing chaos. Had a similar thing happen—thought mine were clear, then found a bird's nest tucked neatly into the corner. Had to gently relocate it before the next storm rolled in. You're spot on about checking between seasons... a quick climb up the ladder every now and then saves a lot of headaches later. Glad I'm not the only one who's learned gutter lessons the hard way, haha.
I get the seasonal check idea, but honestly, I've found it's more about the trees around your house than the calendar. My neighbor has almost no trees nearby and barely touches his gutters, while mine fill up constantly thanks to a huge maple next door. I've started checking after big storms or windy days rather than sticking strictly to seasons. Saves me from surprises like nests or clogs... learned that one after a basement flood a few years back.
"I've started checking after big storms or windy days rather than sticking strictly to seasons."
That's a practical approach, especially if you're dealing with heavy tree coverage. However, I'd argue that seasonal checks still have their place, even if your immediate surroundings seem clear. From my experience managing multiple properties, I've noticed that debris can travel surprisingly far during storms—leaves, twigs, and even roofing granules from neighboring houses can accumulate over time. Plus, seasonal inspections aren't just about clearing debris; they're also a good opportunity to check for structural issues like loose brackets, sagging sections, or corrosion that might not be obvious after a single storm. A quick visual inspection every few months can catch these problems early, potentially saving you from more costly repairs down the line. Of course, everyone's situation is different, but combining regular seasonal checks with your storm-based approach might offer the most comprehensive protection.
I get where you're coming from with the storm checks—makes sense to tackle it when you know there's fresh debris. But honestly, I've found that sticking to a seasonal routine has saved me from some sneaky issues. For instance, last spring I noticed a gutter section was sagging slightly during my regular check. Turns out the brackets were starting to loosen up, probably from the weight of winter ice buildup. If I'd only waited for stormy days, I might've missed it until it became a bigger headache.
So yeah, storm checks are great for immediate debris, but seasonal inspections help catch those subtle structural things before they become expensive repairs. Maybe a combo of both is the sweet spot? Either way, gutters seem to have a knack for causing trouble when you least expect it...
