It’s important to clean your gutters and downspouts after the leaves stop falling, and here’s why.
Avoid damage to your home:
Clogged gutters allow rainwater and snowmelt to pool in the trough and back up onto your roof, which can weaken and damage the roof, fascia, and even the attic. Water spilling over the edge of a clogged gutter can collect around and compromise your foundation, too.
Avoid damage to your gutter system:
The gutter system itself can be damaged and require replacing if it’s not cleared properly. Plus, if it gets full of water and very heavy, it could pull away from the side of the house and damage the areas where it was attached.
Deter pests and vermin:
A trough filled with rotting leaves and debris attracts bugs and rodents. Don’t give them a safe place to cuddle up right next to your roof — they could also be tempted to find a way inside.
While it’s a time-consuming task, caring for your gutters and downspouts isn’t difficult. A ladder, a scoop, and some work gloves can get the job done. You can also use a power washer to clear them. And if you’re leery of heights, or just not comfortable inspecting the system yourself, you can always hire a pro to get the job done.
