While many home owners think about cleaning their gutters in the fall, taking care of them year-round will help ensure the health of your roof, home and foundation.
Gutters filter rain and runoff from your roof to the ground, away from the house's foundation.
Gutters can get clogged with leaves and debris; warped due to heat or age; or simply fall out of alignment or disconnect from drainage spouts.
Here's a closer look at what home owners need to keep in mind with regards to their gutters.
Why Clean Gutters are Important When they're functioning optimally, gutters play an important role in protecting your roof, home, and foundation from water damage.
Gutters that haven't been serviced can cause several types of problems, depending on your home and the season.
Debris, such as leaves, can create blockages within your gutter.
These clogs allow rain to back up in the gutter channels.
During warm weather, this standing water creates a breeding ground for mosquitos and other insects.
In the winter, standing water may freeze and cause your gutters to pull away from the house.
Blocked gutters contribute to ice dams which are a leading case of roof leaks.
Additionally, if your gutters aren't channeling water properly, it can spill over and hit your house causing rot after prolonged exposure.
Water that doesn't drain properly can create muddy areas in Spring and Summer, and freeze into safety hazards during winter months.
Looking for Signs of Trouble If you suspect you might be having issues with your gutters, there are two things you can check.
The first is to look at the ground immediately around your house.
Dirt, mulch, and flowerbeds will often show the first signs of malfunctioning gutters.
As runoff spills over on concrete and landscaped areas below, erosion and damage can occur.
If dirt or mulch is being washed away or showing signs of erosion, this can be your first clue that it's time to check your gutter's condition.
You can also watch the flow of water during a storm, to determine if your gutter's channels are filtering as they should.
Working with a professional Many home owners are tempted to get out their tallest ladder or climb onto their roof to clean their own gutters.
There are several reasons to work with a professional.
The first is safety.
The Consumer Protection Agency estimates that 160,000 people per year in the United States are injured in ladder accidents seriously enough to send them to the emergency room.
The second is expertise.
Clearing debris is just one part of a thorough gutter maintenance plan.
An experienced gutter cleaning business will inspect your gutters and the area around your home.
They will make sure that the gutters are intact, correctly positioned, and attached to the downspouts.
Any blockages will be cleaned, and any other repairs made.
They will also point out any damage that may have occurred to your roof, home or yard as a result of poor drainage, so you can take action as needed to correct the problem.
If you've been attending to your own gutters or haven't had them checked in the last couple of years, it's time to make an appointment.
The cost for a professional gutter cleaning is relatively small, and you'll receive a good return on your investment.
Contact a professional gutter cleaning company today to make sure that your home is protected from water damage throughout the year.
Gutters filter rain and runoff from your roof to the ground, away from the house's foundation.
Gutters can get clogged with leaves and debris; warped due to heat or age; or simply fall out of alignment or disconnect from drainage spouts.
Here's a closer look at what home owners need to keep in mind with regards to their gutters.
Why Clean Gutters are Important When they're functioning optimally, gutters play an important role in protecting your roof, home, and foundation from water damage.
Gutters that haven't been serviced can cause several types of problems, depending on your home and the season.
Debris, such as leaves, can create blockages within your gutter.
These clogs allow rain to back up in the gutter channels.
During warm weather, this standing water creates a breeding ground for mosquitos and other insects.
In the winter, standing water may freeze and cause your gutters to pull away from the house.
Blocked gutters contribute to ice dams which are a leading case of roof leaks.
Additionally, if your gutters aren't channeling water properly, it can spill over and hit your house causing rot after prolonged exposure.
Water that doesn't drain properly can create muddy areas in Spring and Summer, and freeze into safety hazards during winter months.
Looking for Signs of Trouble If you suspect you might be having issues with your gutters, there are two things you can check.
The first is to look at the ground immediately around your house.
Dirt, mulch, and flowerbeds will often show the first signs of malfunctioning gutters.
As runoff spills over on concrete and landscaped areas below, erosion and damage can occur.
If dirt or mulch is being washed away or showing signs of erosion, this can be your first clue that it's time to check your gutter's condition.
You can also watch the flow of water during a storm, to determine if your gutter's channels are filtering as they should.
Working with a professional Many home owners are tempted to get out their tallest ladder or climb onto their roof to clean their own gutters.
There are several reasons to work with a professional.
The first is safety.
The Consumer Protection Agency estimates that 160,000 people per year in the United States are injured in ladder accidents seriously enough to send them to the emergency room.
The second is expertise.
Clearing debris is just one part of a thorough gutter maintenance plan.
An experienced gutter cleaning business will inspect your gutters and the area around your home.
They will make sure that the gutters are intact, correctly positioned, and attached to the downspouts.
Any blockages will be cleaned, and any other repairs made.
They will also point out any damage that may have occurred to your roof, home or yard as a result of poor drainage, so you can take action as needed to correct the problem.
If you've been attending to your own gutters or haven't had them checked in the last couple of years, it's time to make an appointment.
The cost for a professional gutter cleaning is relatively small, and you'll receive a good return on your investment.
Contact a professional gutter cleaning company today to make sure that your home is protected from water damage throughout the year.
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