Why Gutter Maintenance Is A Chore That Can’t Be Ignored
Fall is in full swing. This season brings us apple orchard visits, pumpkin lattes, and bonfires. However, it does have a major downside; leaves falling from trees quickly filling up the gutters in homes throughout the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin, leaving them clogged. This leaves homeowners with a choice…ignore the problem or tackle it head-on. Unfortunately, taking the easy route can have detrimental consequences. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Is It Important to Get Leaves Out of Your Gutters?
Leaves left in your gutters guarantee that they will clog. This proves problematic because clogging prevents water from being filtered away from the home. Without this, there is substantial risk for water in your basement or damage to your foundation. Another risk with letting leaves sit in your gutters is that it isn’t long before they become wet and soggy. This additional weight can cause your gutters to detach from your home or disturb the pitch necessary to allow water to exit the gutters.
Even more frightening is that clogged gutters can allow water to get behind a fascia board and travel to your attic. If this happens, dry rot can ensue and quickly spread. This scenario can also lead to wet insulation and attic mold. Gutters left clogged over the winter can actually lead to ice dams that cause pricey damage to the interior of your home. Worse yet if an ice dam is bad enough, it can lead to the need for full roof replacement.
How Do You Safely Clean Out Gutters?
Avoid using the ladder that’s been in your home for three generations. First and foremost, make sure that the ladder you choose does not have any broken rungs. Ideally, it should be less than 10-years-old. Be sure to set the ladder up properly; take the time to dig it in and tie it off if necessary. A harness system can also act as a preventative against a dangerous fall. If this project is outside of your comfort zone, contact a reputable professional to unclog your gutters for you.
How Do I Know If Clogged Gutters are Causing Damage to My Home?
Siding that is stained can be indicative of standing water in your gutters. Stationary water has the potential to lead to damaged fascia boards behind your gutters and your shingles. Water that pools around your foundation due to clog gutters can lead to erosion. This compromises the integrity of the walls, which will eventually create foundation cracking, settling, and a wet basement. Dry rot on your fascia boards and attic mold growth are also frequently caused by clogged gutters.
How Do I Eliminate Clogged Gutters For Good?
LeafGuard® Brand Gutters offer the ultimate peace of mind because they are guaranteed to be clog-free. Constructed of aluminum that’s 20% thicker than ordinary gutters, they have earned the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal of approval. In the unlikely event they ever do clog, the installing contractor will come out and clean them free of charge. They are certified to handle over 32 inches of rain in an hour. The system’s proprietary ScratchGuard® paint has a warranty protecting against chipping, peeling, cracking, or rusting.
For more information about our gutter replacement services, contact us today. Our team of professionals is ready to serve you.
