When it comes to getting your gutters cleaned, most homeowners underestimate the importance of it. You should really get your gutters cleaned, especially in the winter season as fall brings so much debris and leaves into your gutters. Here’s what you need to know about making sure your gutters are ready for the holiday season.
Why your gutters must be cleaned before the holidays
The fall season collects so much debris and leaves in your gutters. If the debris isn’t removed before the winter holidays, it can cause serious problems for your home. Clogs in the gutters or downspouts allow water to pool in your gutters. During the rainy fall weather, that can lead to overflowing gutters to flood your landscaping, walkways, foundations and basements. This can cause water damage to your home sidings, roof windows, and door frames.
When temperatures drop, the water that is trapped inside the gutters to freeze, causing more problems. When your gutters are filled with debris and ice, water that comes off of your warm roof can be forced backward under your roof, causing water damage, rot, and mold to your attic and roof structure.
The dangers of clogged gutters
A gutter that is full of water and debris can cause lots of problems, especially when the temperatures drop. The weight of the ice in the gutter can cause it to sag or fall off entirely. They also cause severe ice dams on your roof. As the warmth of your attic melts rooftop snow, that water flows down toward your gutters. When gutters are too full to accommodate water, this freezes on the edges of your home and builds up heavy layers of ice. This is called the ice dams, on your roof’s edge. Water flowing off your roof can’t flow through the gutters. This can also overflow the gutter’s edge, causing a dangerous buildup of icicles.
Once gutters are cleared, they should be kept that way for the winter! If you don’t want to be stuck pulling leaves and debris out of your gutters in icy, freezing weather, consider installing gutter guards. Gutter guards keep debris out while also allowing water and melted snow to flow through your gutters.
Why your gutters should be inspected for the winter
It’s very important to get your gutters inspected for the winter. Downspouts should be checked to make sure they are attached to the gutter systems and free from debris. The gutters should also be checked for cracks or damage too. Seams and anchors should be checked to ensure that they are securely holding gutters in place. Finally, the exterior of your home including fascia, siding, and landscaping, should be checked. Your gutters aren’t adequately shuttling water away from your home and could be causing damages.
If you need help preparing your gutters for the holidays or address any winter gutter problems, call The Gutterman of TN today! Gutterman, Scott Brasfield, has the experience and the certifications to address any of your gutter needs!