Keeping gutters free from debris is a vital piece of homeowner maintenance with far-reaching implications for your home and property. Even if you have gutter guards installed, regular cleaning is still crucial.
Gutters transport rainwater from your roof to the drainage system and funnel it away from the foundation and basement. Clogged gutters can cause serious damage to your home.
Signs of Debris Buildup
Clogged gutters are more than just unsightly; they fuel pest breeding grounds and can cause flooding in your basement and other areas of the home. Organic trash such as leaves, twigs and moss that collect in gutters also foster the growth of mildew and fungus that may be hazardous to your health and that of your family.
Regular gutter cleaning prevents the build-up of debris, allowing rainwater and melted snow to flow freely from your roof. This is important for your home’s health and safety as a clogged gutter will trap water and ice against the roof’s shingles, causing them to expand and crack. This can create a leaky roof or water damage in the basement and other areas of your home.
Gutter cleaning is typically performed in spring and autumn, but it is a task that should be completed on an annual basis. Some homeowners choose to clean their gutters before the predominant leaf and debris fall season, but this will depend on your home’s environment and the composition of the foliage surrounding it.
To perform a thorough gutter cleaning, you will need to have a ladder, a garden hose and a trowel or gutter scoop for compacted materials. The hose should be fitted with a nozzle that can spray out gutters to flush away the remaining dirt and debris.
Sagging Gutters
Gutters play a critical role in managing water around your home, protecting foundations, landscaping, basements, and attics. But improperly cared for, gutters can deteriorate quickly and become a safety hazard. One common sign of a deteriorating gutter system is sagging. Gutter sagging may signal that the gutters have been overloaded with debris and need to be cleaned, or it could indicate the gutters have come loose from the fascia board and need re-attaching or replacement.
If you notice that your gutters are beginning to sag, it is important to take action immediately to correct the issue before the problem worsens. Before working on your gutters, be sure to take the necessary safety precautions, such as using a sturdy ladder and wearing appropriate protective equipment. It is also recommended that homeowners have a family member or friend assist them with the work, since falling from a ladder can lead to serious injury or death.
The most common cause of sagging gutters is an accumulation of debris within the gutter channels. Leaves, twigs, and dirt can build up inside the gutter system, creating blockages that impede the flow of rainwater. This adds weight to the gutters, exerting downward pressure and causing them to sag. To prevent this, homeowners should perform regular maintenance by cleaning their gutters at least twice a year and after heavy storms.
Plant Growth
The most common problem with gutters is unwanted vegetation taking root. This is caused by seeds and spores deposited in the gutter by wind, birds or lawnmowers. When combined with organic debris like leaves, twigs, and shingle fragments, the seeds find an ideal environment for growth in the moist gutter. The result is the unwelcome growth of grass, weeds, moss and even tree seedlings. These plants interfere with proper water flow and can cause damage to your home and landscape. They can also clog your gutters and block downspouts.
When left unchecked, these problems can become serious and expensive to repair. To prevent them, we recommend regular gutter cleanings and inspections.
Gutter cleaning is best done on a scheduled basis, preferably in spring and fall before the start of new growth or after the leaf drop. However, this may vary depending on the type of trees in your yard. Evergreens, for example, drop needles throughout the year and should be cleaned regularly.
When it comes to cleaning your gutters, always remember to wear protective gear, including non-slip footwear, gloves and eye protection. It is also a good idea to have someone assist you while you are on ladders. Also, make sure to always secure the ladder properly and never lean on it. If you have to stand on a ladder for extended periods, take frequent breaks and be careful not to overwork yourself.
Increased Animal or Pest Activity
Clogged gutters attract pests like rodents, birds, mosquitoes and ants. These critters love the moist, organic trash that makes up clogged gutters. They thrive in the muddy and moldy conditions, which serve as breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria. This can infiltrate the home and lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms, including rashes, eye irritation, and allergic reactions.
Gutter cleaning removes the debris that pests love to use as nesting materials. It also prevents the buildup of water that can cause structural damage to buildings and roofs. Gutter guards can also help to reduce the need for regular cleaning, keeping out leaves and twigs while still allowing water to flow freely through the system.
In addition, if you notice a lot of bird droppings or other signs of animal activity near your gutters, it is likely time for a clean. Birds are attracted to clogged gutters because they provide warmth, shelter and potential food sources. Their droppings can stain the walls of your house and create unsightly stains. Mosquitoes, which can carry viruses like West Nile Virus and Zika, also thrive in stagnant water.
Another reason to keep up with your gutters is fire prevention. When debris accumulates, it becomes highly combustible. If a spark ignites that debris, it could expose your roof or the inside of your ceiling, leading to serious damages.