Importance of Cleaning Your Gutters

As fall approaches and the leaves begin to change, it’s important to make sure your roof is free of any debris and that your gutters and downspouts are clear. Though this may seem like a monotonous task, it’s an essential step to keeping your home leak free. In addition to keeping your home leak free, cleaning your gutters will decrease your chances of having an ice dam in the winter months.

Water cannot freely run down your storm drain if your gutter has been filled with leaves. This may cause a backup in the drain. In winter months the water will freeze and either pull the gutter off or can cause an ice dam that will leak into the walls. Backups often happen because of foreign objects, such as leaves, twigs and tennis balls, clogging your gutter.

As the winter season approaches, a clogged gutter can become heavy and pull away from the roof. This will cause the water to run down the side of your home. Ask yourself, “When was the last time I had my gutter inspected?” If it’s been some time since you inspected or cleaned your gutter, there is a chance that organic material is stuck and embedded within the line. Water will take the path of least resistance! A clean gutter system will allow it to flow freely and naturally, avoiding any excess damage.

Common home problems caused by clogged gutters:

Broken Gutters and Wood Fascia Damage. Clogged cutters can get very heavy, especially once they’re filled with water in addition to any debris that has backed them up. The gutters may then break away from the wood fascia. The water buildup will then cause additional damage to your home.

Roof Damage. Gutters are intended to help water travel safely away from your home’s roof and other vital areas. When gutters become clogged, the excessive water needs to go somewhere. Ultimately, uncleaned gutters can cause roof damage and even leaks inside your home.

Foundation Damage. Downspouts help ensure water flow is staying away from the home’s foundation. When water is unable to flow properly through gutters, the blockage can cause water to pour over the gutters’ sides and onto the home’s foundation. Especially in heavy rainfall, this water will then pool around the foundation, which can cause cracks, mold growth, leaks and other problem.

Landscape Problems. Clogged gutters can result in water overflowing on to your flowerbeds and landscaping. This overflow often occurs in a few concentrated areas, which results in a heavy downpour onto plants and flowers. Though some plants can withstand this type of waterfall, some greenery cannot survive the over saturation or weight or the water.

As you begin the gutter cleaning process, take the following proper safety precautions:

• Make sure the ladder is secure against your home and ground
• Use a spotter to ensure the ladder stays in place
• Watch for power and utility lines
• Wear proper gloves to avoid cutting yourself

Once you’ve emptied your gutter, the excess debris can be used for your compost pile. If you don’t feel like cleaning out your gutter yourself, there are a number of local companies willing to help. If you’ve experienced water damage due to a leak in your roof or gutters, the Bloomfield Construction team can help!

Related blogs: 

• Maintenance Is Key When Preventing Water Damage In Your Home
• What Can I do to Avoid Home Damage From Storms?
• Using a Thermal Imagining Camera to Identify Excess Damage