Gutter Debris
Gutters must be maintained regularly to remove leaves and other debris to keep them from clogging. Gutters that are filled with debris can overflow and soak the foundation and/or damage the fascia board. Clogged gutters can cause water to leak into the house as the water backs up. Clogged gutter outlets can also lead to stagnant water build up which allows mosquitoes to breed and also allows grass and weeds to grow in the gutter. Keeping your homes gutter system in working order is easy with our annual or seasonal gutter maintenance service. Also ask about our MicrGuard Leaf protection system.
The gutters on your home may seem like an insignificant part of your maintenance schedule. Remembering why you had gutters installed on your home may give you cause to improve your maintenance schedule. When gutters are working properly they divert rainwater from your home. In many cases this prevents basement flooding, damage to landscaping and unnecessary dampness in the home.
Leaves in Gutter
Avoid Repairs
You can avoid costly repairs by simply maintaining your gutters and preparing them for the challenges of the winter season. During the winter you’ll face days of snow and ice, add some leftover leaves from the fall and you can easily block the passage of water in your gutters and drain pipes. The trapped water and debris will freeze and become extremely heavy. If the gutters are poorly maintained chances are they will easily pull away from the home, when all this extra weight is added.
Heavy ice and snow will tear poorly installed gutters from their attachments. This will not only damage or destroy the gutters themselves but everything and anything in its path as it falls to the ground. It’s not uncommon for cars to get damaged barbecue grills and picnic tables anything in its path these gutters can weigh hundreds of pounds.
Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters that are properly secured and do not pull away from the home when totally clogged will cause serious damage to your roof. When the gutters are clogged with ice, the snow and water remains on the roof melting and refreezing working its way under your shingles causing a leak. You’ll know these leaks are caused by clogged gutters because the damage they do will most likely be on an exterior wall or ceiling close to the exterior wall.
Improve the Air Ventilation in the Attic
Maintaining an indoor temperature that is close to the outdoor temperature is vital in the attic of the house. If the attic is not proper ventilated, the warm air inside can melt the snow on the roof and cause ice dams to form. Ice dams are one of the most common problems during winter and they can seriously cause damage to a home.
This water damage can be significant and could have easily been avoided with proper gutter maintenance. If you can’t maintain your gutters yourself, hire someone. Making certain that your gutters are properly installed and working efficiently is a job for a professional.
If you are determined to take on this job without professional help here are some helpful guidelines:
1. Clean out your gutters it’s a messy job, get it done.
2. Hose the gutters down to remove any traces of dirt
3. Have gutter guards or covers Installed
4. Make sure that gutters are secured properly to the house
5. If you have gutter guards, keep them free of leaves
6. Make sure downspouts and drainage are not clogged or blocked
7. Keep attic is well-ventilated to prevent freezing on the roof
8. Have trees trimmed that hang over the roof to prevent leaves and twigs from falling down on your gutters
Let us help you protect your gutters and your home with dependable services. Give us a call at (631) 737-0811 to get started on your planning with a FREE estimate for your gutter needs.