Your roof and its associated systems are integral components of the structure and ultimately function of your home.  While you may be aware of the importance of roof maintenance, many homeowners overlook the importance of gutter cleaning and maintenance.  Nevertheless, the condition of your gutters can have a direct impact on the condition of your roof, and as such, they require regular attention.  So what do you need to know about gutter cleaning and maintenance?

First of all, the function of gutters is to collect and distribute water away from your home.  Ultimately, gutters are designed to protect your home’s foundation by channelling water away from the base of your home.  So, clean gutters are not only crucial when it comes to keeping your roof in good condition, but they also need regular cleaning to ensure the condition of your foundation.  Indeed, some of the consequences of clogged gutters include:

• Excess debris in gutters can weigh them down and potentially damage your gutter system preventing water from being channeled properly.
• Water from clogged gutters can back up and seep between your gutter and fascia.  This can cause wood around and behind the fascia to rot, while also leading to leaks in your home.  Roofing structures can easily be compromised.
• Clogged gutters often overflow and cascade over the gutter along the perimeter of your home.  This can not only damage gardens and structures around the base of your home, but can also lead to cracks and leaks in your foundation.
• Water seeping into your foundation will ultimately damage the foundation, especially in colder climates.  As water freezes and thaws, the integrity of your foundation is diminished.  Foundation repairs can cost thousands of dollars.
• Stagnant water in gutters can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects, while also allowing grass and moss to grow in your gutter.

Now, you may be wondering if clogged gutters are a common problem.  There’s no question that gutters become clogged as leaves and other debris collects, especially if you have trees overhanging you home.  So how do you maintain your gutter?  Ideally, you should aim to clean your gutters at least once a year, but most experts recommend spring and fall cleaning.  Though gutter cleaning can be a time consuming and messy task, it really must be done.

Various tools can make the task of cleaning your gutters much easier.  Shop vacuums can be equipped with gutter nozzles, and there are even gutter robots designed to automatically clean gutters.  Still, hands-on cleaning is always the best approach as you can ensure a thorough cleaning.  Unless you are very confident on a roof or ladder and have the proper safety equipment, you should always hire roofing professionals to clean your gutters.

More about residential roofing services here.

Posted in Residential Roofing, Roof Repair, Vancouver Roofing category. gutter cleaning, roof maintenance, roofing company

This entry was posted on Friday, October 16th, 2015 , 8:47 am and is filed under Residential Roofing, Roof Repair, Vancouver Roofing category. Both comments and pings are currently closed.