How often do you climb a ladder and take a look at your gutters? If you are anything like most homeowners, the answer is not enough. No one likes to clean their gutters, who wants to spend their weekend on a ladder scooping muck out of their gutter? However, in order to protect your roof and foundation it’s something that needs to be done.
The Importance of a Functioning Gutter System
Gutters aren’t particularly special, but their job cannot be understated. Their number one function is to collect rainwater as it flows off the roof and then funnel it to the downspouts where the water is redirected away from your home’s foundation and into the your yard or storm sewer.
Since water will always take the path of least resistance, gutters, that are installed correctly, are mounted at a slight angle to lead water to the downspout. If the gutter system was not installed properly, water could very likely backup onto your roof in the case of heavy downpours. The quickest way to cause thousands of dollars of damage to your roof is to allow water to pool up on top of the shingles. If the roof hasn’t been damaged by heavy winds, weather, and time, then standing water will certainly shorten the shingles’ lifespan. Performing proper and regular maintenance of your gutters will protect your roof and foundation for years to come.
The Danger of Clogged Gutters
Every Autumn trees shed their leaves for winter so that they can grow back bigger and healthier in the Spring. The majority of these leaves fall to the ground creating their own set of problems, but some make their way onto the roof and into your gutters. Water now has to flow over and around leaves in order to make it to the ground and away from the home. As leaves continue to pile up and obstruct water flow and even clog downspouts, water begins to pool.
Because water is not leaving the roof effectively, the best case scenario becomes water overflowing the edge of the gutters and causing damage to your foundation. At worst water pools on your shingles eventually leading to rot and leaks or in the Winter as water freezes and unfreezes, especially here in Atlanta, the gutters can pull away from the fascia or ice can wedge its way under the shingles causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.
Homeowners should inspect their gutter systems at least twice a year, even more if you live in a heavily wooded area. In a quick visual inspection you should look for any holes larger than a nail hole, places where the gutter has pulled away from the fascia, any places on the roof where pine straw and leaves have collected. During downpours one should look to see that water is flowing away from the home. Look for water overflowing from the top of the gutter system and ensure that down spouts are flowing away from the home. Your gutter system protects the two most expensive parts of your home the roof and the foundation, make proper regular maintenance a part of your yearly checklist.
How to Clean Your Gutter System
If you haven’t cleaned had your gutters cleaned in a long time or ever, then the first time is likely going to be back breaking work. Fortunately, you only need a few items to properly care for your gutter system. A pair of heavy duty work gloves, a sturdy ladder, a simple garden trowel, a box of heavy duty garbage bags, a free afternoon, and if you’re anything like me a few cold ones for when you’re finished.
Set your ladder up on the corner of your home and set the box garbage bags on the roof. Start filling the garbage bags with the gunk and debris, if it’s just leaves then you’ll be able to use your hands. If the debris is soaked with water then you’ll likely need to use the garden trowel to dig it out.
Place the gunk into the garbage bags until they’re about half full or use plastic shopping bags instead. As you move from one end of the house to the other, throw the bags into the yard and pick them up when you’re done. Keeping the box of bags on the roof you’ll be able to minimize trips up and down the ladder. If your gutter system is relatively clean, then you’ll be enjoying those cold ones in no time. If you decide that climbing the ladder once or twice a year isn’t for you, then maybe our gutter and leaf guards would be an ideal solution for you.
The gutters are an often neglected part of yearly maintenance, but they directly contribute to the lifespan of the roof, not to mention your foundation, so keep them in mind.
About Gutter Doctors and Leaf Guards
We specialize in gutter replacement and gutter guards. We install replacements of 6″ and 5″ seamless gutters. Our gutter guard system is the best choice for gutter leaf guards in our industry. This prevents having to remove debris that can collect in your gutters. We are the best choice to take care of your gutter needs at an affordable rate. We even have discounts available for police officers, firefighters, those serving our country, and senior citizens. Interested? Check our service area, we’d love to earn your business.