Fall has arrived, and for most homeowners meaning it’s nearly time to clean the gutters. Gutters are an essential part of a roofing system and are designed to keep homes dry even during heavy rain or snow.
Without adequate gutters, however, a home’s roof, siding, and basis are prone to water harm and other serious problems. Clogging is the most frequent problem on the subject of gutters, and roofing repair contractors should speak to their clients the risks associated with blocked gutters.
How gutters become clogged
Gutters clog when loose debris decomposes and, if damp, gets matted to the gutter’s interior. If the debris becomes dense enough, it can stop water from flowing toward the downspout, and then even the downspout can clog. Gutters should slope slightly toward the downspout, at an angle of about 1/8 or 1/16 of an inch per foot, to carry storm water and snow away. However, when gutters are blocked with leaves, ice, or other debris, the water has nowhere to go except over the edge of the gutter.
In late fall, gutters are at risk of clogging from leaves and twigs. However, late spring or early summer is also an excellent time for contractors to provide gutter cleaning. Pollen, flower petals, and “helicopter”-like maple tree seeds are all common clog culprits.
The trouble with clogged gutters
Gutter cleaning tends to be an ordinary routine service that many roofing specialists offer. As an essential part of home maintenance, gutter cleaning prevents a number of issues, such as:
Roof hazards
With blocked gutters, water can seep into the spaces beneath the shingles and potentially rot the fascia boards and soffits. Roofing contractors, when visiting the site, will generally look for dry rot on these parts as a way to identify leaks and other problems. Blocked gutters can pose a fire hazard in some cases. Must of the time, damaged gutters can open a home up to leaks and critter infestations.
Basement and foundation issues
When gutters become clogged, the water they should accumulate can pool near the home’s foundation instead. The excess water can crack the foundation, which, if left unchecked, can let water into the home’s basement. A damp basement can result in the proliferation of mold and mildew, and a large enough leak could lead to flooding.
Home exterior damage
When gutters fail to drain properly, water and debris can spill over the side of the gutter. While it may not sound quite as dangerous as the above consequences, water and debris from the gutter can harm paint and siding, and there’s always the risk of mold or dry rot with enough dampness. Gutters overburdened with leaves and other debris will sag and pull away from the side of the house, making repairs a necessity.
Comments