Top 3 Reasons to Clean Your Gutters

1. To avoid costly water damage.

– Clogged gutters and downspouts do not allow the water flowing from your roof to properly drain away from your house. Water will always take the path of least resistance, and that could mean water intrusion and damage to your roofing, siding, trim, and the interior of your home. Downspouts that are damaged or clogged may not be dispersing the water away from your home’s foundation – as designed. In colder climates, clogged gutters can also slow down the melting process and drainage of roof snow, therefore increasing the risk of ice dams.

2. To maintain the integrity of your gutter system.

– While gutter systems are designed from high quality materials, they are not designed to carry the load from excess leaves, pine needles, and other debris. These foreign substances trap water in the gutters and block drainage downspouts. This creates an increased load on your gutter system and its integrity. Whole sections of overloaded gutters can break loose from their anchor points, seams in the gutter can form leaks, and downspouts can become clogged and damaged. If gutters are not cleaned for many years, the overflowing organic matter will decompose rapidly, causing many gutter systems to fill up with a type of “organic soil matter”. Freezing temperatures can also increase excess weight from the formation of ice and icicles.

3. To reduce the increase of insects & pests around your home.

– Many homeowners are not aware that trapped, stagnant water in clogged gutters serves as a perfect breeding ground for many pesky insects – including mosquitoes. Gutters that are filled with debris also serve as a quiet home for other insects and rodents as well. Routine inspections of your gutter system will also alert you of any new critters. Some things to look for are nests and bee hives.

While cleaning your gutters and keeping them free flowing is a good idea, the actual act of doing so may be a bit more complicated. Be careful when climbing onto a roof, or using ladders. Watch for power and utility lines that run overhead to your home. Debris that is removed from your gutters can make a great addition to your compost pile at home, or check with your local municipality regarding their composting guidelines. If you feel like hiring out this tedious task, look for a quality insured gutter cleaning service with references or a quality guarantee.

For most homeowners, a one time seasonal cleaning and inspection should suffice. Areas with many overhead trees should probably clean their gutters twice per year.