Fall is coming and as you start to bring in the hoses before winter creeps in don’t forget to also clean gutters to remove leaves, sticks, and debris. Keeping leaves out of gutters is crucial for protecting the structure of your home and preventing costly water problems in the future. Here’s the top five reasons you should keep your gutters clean heading into the winter.
- Prevent water damage to your home. When gutters and downspouts are blocked with leaves and debris, rainwater will not drain properly. As water overflows from gutters, it can cause water damage and staining on both the interior and exterior of your home.
- Protect your roof from rot. Clogged gutters prevent rainwater from leaving the roof. When water continues to flood over, it can back up to your roof decking and rot it.
- Keep pests away. Gutters clogged with leaves make a great home for rodents, birds, and insects. Keep them away from your home by not creating a home in your gutters.
- Avoid foundation damage. When water is not routed away from your home, it can pool around the foundation of your house and. This water can crack your foundation when it expands and freezes in the winter months.
- Avoid weight on ice filled gutters. Frozen gutters can pull at your home and roof because of the weight of all that frozen material. Avoid icicles and the possibility of gutter detachment.
Gutter and downspout cleaning can help prevent unexpected and expensive projects down the road. Taking preventive measures now can help minimize the likelihood of having to repair or replace your roof.
WHY BUILDING INSIGHTS?