Outside gutters are often an area of the home that goes overlooked. It is usually a case of out of sight, out of mind for most homeowners. That is, of course, until the gutters are clogged and you notice water pouring over the edge of the roof. In order to make sure this does not happen to you, make it a routine to have your gutters cleaned twice a year, at least.
There are several reasons that gutters can end up being clogged and this can cause significant damage to both the foundation of the home and the roof. Scheduling regular maintenance of the gutters is a great way to avoid this from happening. You can either clean the gutters yourself or have a professional come in to do it for you to ensure it is done properly.
Fall is notorious for causing problems with gutters. If the gutter system is not properly protected, leaves and debris can easily get into the channels and cause clogging. It does not take very much to get into the downspout before it is completely blocked and unusable.
In addition to fall, winter can pose its own unique challenges for the gutters. If there is a significant ice buildup, clogged gutters can actually create ice dams on the roof. This will add extra weight to the roof and can force water to penetrate the roof and enter the home. Of course, this leads to ceiling leaks and significant repair costs.
Another concern that often goes overlooked when it comes to clogged gutters is damage to the foundation of the home. The gutters are designed to drain off water to specific areas. If the gutters are clogged, the water ends up coming right over the roof and can literally pound the ground close to the home. Eventually, that ground softens and can begin to sink in. Believe me, this is one bill you do not want to get and one that can be avoided simply by having your gutters cleaned twice a year.