Your gutters are vital to keeping your home protected from water damage. Regular maintenance and cleaning can ensure they perform well. If they develop issues, don’t wait long before contacting a reliable gutter contractor. When clogged or inefficient, gutters can cause costly problems, from early roof deterioration to basement flooding and foundation damage.
Here are four common things that can clog your gutters.
Common Causes of Gutter Clogs
1. Tree Debris
Do lush greeneries surround your home? Living near trees, while beautiful, increases the likelihood of leaves, twigs and other debris finding their way into your gutters, especially during autumn. Keeping nearby trees trimmed will go a long way in preventing debris buildup in your gutters. It can also reduce the risk of damage to your home during weather extremes.
2. Snow and Ice
In winter, snow and ice can accumulate on your roof and, upon melting, can refreeze in gutters, causing blockages. This issue often occurs due to an underventilated attic. You can avoid it by ensuring your attic has sufficient ventilation.
3. Poor Construction
Even the best quality gutters can become inefficient or fail early when not installed correctly. Poorly constructed and secured gutters won’t be able to drain water properly from your roof. Save yourself from this problem by carefully selecting the contractor you will hire for your project. Obtain multiple quotes, run background checks, read reviews and check portfolios. It’s also important to ask for proof of licensing and insurance before hiring an installer. Whether you need new gutters or gutter covers, Barry Best Seamless Gutters is ready to help. You can always rely on us for high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship.
4. Foreign Objects
Aside from natural leaves and twigs, gutters can become clogged with unexpected foreign objects. Children’s toys, balls and even nests made by birds or pests can obstruct gutters. Regular inspections and cleanings are essential to identifying and removing these items.
Why Gutter Protection Matters
A quality gutter protection system can prevent debris from building up in your gutters and causing clogs. It can eliminate the need for frequent cleanings, saving you on maintenance costs. Another benefit of gutter guards is they can keep pests from creating nests in your gutters. They also help prevent standing water in gutters by reducing the risk of clogs.
Did you know that gutter guards can lower the chances of ice dam formation in winter? Together with an adequately ventilated attic, an efficient gutter system can minimize ice dams. Gutter guards also offer added fire protection, especially in areas where wildfires are common. They help get rid of dried leaves that can ignite during a fire.
