Do You Know The Importance of Clean Gutters To Your Roof?

Gutter cleaning may be one of the most avoided home maintenance jobs, but it is also one of the most important. Clogged gutters are more than just a maintenance nuisance. They are a concern that can leave homeowners in need of a serious roof repair. Although it may not be the easiest maintenance chore to perform, regular gutter cleaning is something every homeowner must make a priority. Otherwise, this residential roof maintenance task could leave homeowners dealing with bigger, more costly problems later.

The Problem of Clogged Gutters

The purpose of gutters is to catch water that runs down the roof and divert it elsewhere, preventing water problems on the building itself, and at the foundation. When gutters become clogged with debris, water flow is slowed or blocked altogether. The two main problems caused when this happens is: 1) water begins to pour over the sides of the gutters to the ground below; and, 2) roof edges frequently become submerged from water backing up.

Roof and Home Damage Caused by Clogged Gutters

Roofs are waterproof, but only in terms of water rolling down and off of them. Since roofing is applied in layers, most roofs have edges which if submerged in water for long periods, will soak up water from the underside. Water collecting in clogged gutters means roofing material will soak up this water under the top layer of shingles and suffer significant damage after a period of time. Mold, mildew, and rot of roofing layers and even roof decking are frequent results seen when gutters remain clogged and do not drain properly. In winter, ice damming can occur as well, resulting in ice pushing roof edges up and actually separating them from the roof structure, inviting even more water damage later.

Once this sort of damage begins, it is hard to stop it. It is not uncommon for homeowners to experience damage not only to their roof covering and decking, but to the entire roofing structure as well, all because of clogged gutters. Leaks, dampness, and interior mold problems can all begin with this same simple problem. These problems require experienced roofing services to correct them, which can be costly depending on how substantial the roof repair needs to be. The easy fix for all of this is to simply keep gutters clear with regular roof maintenance.

Regular Gutter Cleaning is Essential

To avoid damage to both the roof and home, and prevent the need for costly repairs, all a homeowner needs to do is check their gutters a few times a year and make sure they are clear of debris, and that water flows through them freely. This is a job that many homeowners can easily do themselves, or they can hire experienced roofing services to do it for them. When cleaned every spring and fall, and carefully observed to ensure that the flow from the downspout is normal, it is possible to avoid expensive damage to the roof and other parts of the house.

Regular monitoring and clearing of roof gutters done by the homeowners themselves, or a good residential roof maintenance company, is essential home maintenance necessary to avoid expensive roof repairs. Should there be any damage, it is important to hire the most experienced roofing services company to investigate the extent of the damage, and make the necessary repair to prevent further damage!