Cleaning and maintaining your gutters may not be the most enjoyable job, but it is one that you should never skimp on. Clean gutters are an integral part of your home’s structural well-being. However, they tend to collect leaves, dirt, and debris, especially in autumn. Neglecting your gutters can lead to a whole host of more significant problems.
Falling Leaves and Clogged Gutters
Falling leaves in the autumn can be a sight to behold, but they can become problematic when they end up in your gutter system.
Gutters are important in collecting rainwater from your roof and diverting it through the downspout away from your home’s foundation. The water passageway becomes clogged when the gutters are filled with leaves and other debris. As a result, the water will creep into your roof covering and down into your home’s interior.
And with winter’s thaw and freeze cycles, snow on the roof can melt into the gutter and refreeze. This can lead to the formation of ice dams on the edge of the roof and over the gutters. Ice-filled gutters can become so heavy they can detach from the roof.
That said, the damage caused by clogged gutters is costly to repair but entirely preventable.
Clean Your Gutters Thoroughly
With increased rainfall in the fall and snow in the winter, it’s important to have an effective drainage system. You can choose to clean your gutters at the beginning of autumn if they already have significant debris or after the last leaves have fallen.
You’ll need a bucket, ladder, and garden hose to clean your gutters. Scoop out the debris that has filled up your gutter system and dispose of it into your bucket or lawn bag. Work in small sections and make sure you stay safe on the ladder.
Once you’ve finished the scooping, give your gutter a good spray down with the hose to remove the remaining debris and ensure the water is running through.
Repair Any Damage
After deep cleaning your gutters, inspect them for any damage they may have incurred over time. Check for uneven sections, loose screws and brackets, leaks, sagging, and excessive wear and tear.
If you find any damage, you’ll want to repair your gutter promptly before the full force of autumn brings leaves and extra weight to your gutter system.
Invest in Gutter Guards
If you want to avoid the hassle of cleaning your gutter season after season, consider investing in gutter guards. These wire or mesh covers go over your troughs to reduce or prevent debris buildup in your gutters while allowing water to flow freely.
Gutter guards offer a great solution to a messy job. It would be ideal to have them installed before the first signs of autumn.
Enlist the Experts
If gutter cleaning and maintenance is a job you’d rather not take on, get help from professionals. At Moss Roofing, we offer safe and high-quality gutter services, including thorough cleaning, inspection, prompt repairs, and installation of gutter guards. We also install seamless gutters customized to your home and offer more durability. Contact us today to keep your home safe and dry.
