Seasonal Guides: Spring Prep Starts in February
February in Wichita still feels like winter. But here's the thing: spring storms are only 6-8 weeks out. And your gutters are getting damaged right now.
Most homeowners wait until they see a problem. By then, water is already pouring into basements or pooling around foundations. You're paying for damage instead of preventing it.
I'm Brandon, owner of Wichita Gutters. My wife and I have been fixing and installing gutters here for over 10 years. Every spring, we see the same thing:
Homeowners who call us in February are ready when storms hit. The ones who wait until March or April are calling in a panic with water everywhere.
You still have time. Let's talk about why February matters and what you need to do.
Why February is Critical for Your Gutters
Kansas Weather is Destroying Your Gutters Right Now
If you live in Wichita, you know our weather is all over the place. One day it's 30 degrees. The next day it's 60.
This is really bad for gutters.
Here's what happens: Water sits in your gutters. At night, it freezes solid. During the day, it melts. Then it freezes again at night. This happens 15-20 times every February.
When water freezes, it expands. It pushes on your gutters from the inside, making tiny cracks in seams and loosening the hangers that hold gutters to your house. Each freeze-thaw cycle makes those cracks bigger and those hangers looser.
By the time spring rains come, you've got gutters pulling away from your house and water leaking everywhere.
Ice dams are another killer. Heat from your attic melts snow on your roof. That water runs down and refreezes at the edge, creating thick ice walls on your gutters. Ice can weigh 50-100 pounds per section. That weight pulls gutters right off your house.
Even after the ice melts, the damage remains. We find gutters hanging 2-3 inches off houses all the time. Homeowners don't notice until rain pours down their walls.
This is why we install seamless gutters on most Wichita homes. They're made in one long piece custom-fit to your house. Way fewer seams means way fewer weak spots for Kansas weather to attack.
[Learn more about ice dams and how to prevent them in our complete guide.]
Spring Storms Come Fast and Hard
March and April bring 3-4 inches of rain each month to Wichita. Often in storms that dump an inch or more in just one hour.
Your gutters have to handle 600-1,200 gallons of water during a big storm. If they're clogged, damaged, or pulling away, that water has nowhere to go except into your basement or foundation.
Here's the timeline:
- Mid-February to early March: First big rains start
- Late March: Heavy spring storms become regular
- April-May: Worst weather with possible 4+ inch rainstorms
By March, every gutter contractor in Wichita is slammed. Wait until then and you're looking at 2-3 week delays. Emergency repairs during storms cost 2-3 times more than fixing things now.
The February Advantage
Call us today at (316) 350-7115 and we'll usually come out the same day. In February, we can typically do your installation within a week. Try getting that in April!
February weather (40s-60s) is actually perfect for gutter work. Materials cure properly and we can take our time doing it right.
A $300 repair now stops a $3,000 foundation repair later.
What to Check Right Now
Quick Walk-Around Inspection
You can spot problems just from the ground. Walk around your house and look up.
Look for these warning signs:
✗ Gutters pulling away from the roof - Gaps bigger than your finger mean winter ice damaged the hangers. These will rip completely off during spring storms.
✗ Cracks, holes, or rust - Even small holes leak hundreds of gallons onto your foundation. Rust on aluminum gutters usually means replacement, not repair.
✗ Loose or damaged downspouts - Walk to each one. Still attached tight? Any big dents? Downspouts carry all the water away—if they're broken, nothing else matters.
✗ Stains or warping on fascia boards - The board gutters attach to. Dark stains or soft spots mean water's been getting behind your gutters. We do fascia board replacement before installing new gutters.
✗ Erosion near your foundation - Channels in dirt, washed-away mulch, or trenches show water is overflowing gutters or downspouts aren't directing water far enough away.
From the Ladder (Or Call Us to Do It Safely)
Not comfortable on a ladder? Don't risk it. Call (316) 350-7115 for a free inspection.
If you're comfortable with ladders:
- Clear winter debris - Leaves and sticks often hide under melted ice
- Pour water in gutters - Should flow smoothly to downspouts, not pool
- Check hangers - Shake gently. Should be rock solid every 2-3 feet
- Look down downspouts - Shine a flashlight. Should see all the way through
- Test stability - Push down gently. No wiggling or movement
When to Call Wichita Gutters
✗ Gutters pulling away more than a finger's width
✗ Any holes, cracks, or bad rust
✗ Water stains on siding under gutters
✗ Damaged fascia or soffit boards
✗ Foundation cracks or wet basements
✗ You're not comfortable on ladders (totally fine!)
[Not sure what you're looking for? Read our seasonal gutter maintenance checklist for detailed guidance.]
Common Winter Damage We See Every February
Ice dams create permanent bending and pull hangers out. Signs: sagging sections, separated seams, torn-out hangers.
Freeze-thaw cracking attacks seams in traditional gutters. Water gets in, freezes, expands, and rips joints apart. Seamless gutters prevent this—90% fewer weak spots.
Hidden winter debris sits at the bottom as wet sludge, blocking drainage even when gutters look clean from the ground.
Underground drain damage happens when buried pipes freeze and crack. You won't see it until spring when water floods your yard instead of draining properly.
Your Complete Drainage System
Gutters collect water. But where does it go? If downspouts dump 1,000+ gallons right next to your foundation, you've still got problems.
Complete protection requires:
- Properly sized gutters (5", 6", or custom)
- Gutter guards to prevent debris blockages
- Enough downspouts (one every 40 feet minimum)
- Downspout extensions or underground pipes carrying water 10-20+ feet away
- French drains or yard drainage for groundwater
- Proper yard slope directing water away from house
Wichita can get 3+ inches of rain in one storm. That's 1,000-1,500 gallons off your roof. Your drainage system needs to handle all of it.
Call (316) 350-7115 for a free assessment of your entire water management system—gutters, downspouts, drainage, and yard slope.
What Happens When You Call
Step 1: Same-Day Free Estimate
Call (316) 350-7115 or email wichitaksgutters@gmail.com. We usually come out the same day
.
I'll personally inspect everything: gutters, downspouts, fascia, soffit, drainage. Take photos of issues. Measure for custom seamless gutters if needed.
Clear, upfront pricing. No hidden fees. No pressure. Just honest assessment.
Step 2: Custom Solution
We recommend based on your home's needs:
- Repair vs. replacement (we only replace when it makes sense)
- Material options (aluminum, vinyl, seamless, or sectional)
- Size (5", 6", or custom 7"-8")
- Gutter guards if you have trees
- Drainage solutions if needed
Step 3: Professional Installation
Usually scheduled within a week in February. Licensed and insured team with 10+ years experience.
We fabricate seamless gutters on-site for perfect fit. Install proper slope for drainage. Secure hangers every 2-3 feet. Test everything before we leave. Clean up completely.
Why February Works
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Same-day estimates (vs 2-3 week waits in spring)
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Installation within a week (vs 10-14 days in March/April)
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Better weather for proper installation
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Lower cost than emergency repairs during storms
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Peace of mind before storm season hits