It’s been a beautiful Fall ever since the surprise snowfall a few weeks ago. We’ve enjoyed beautiful weather and the gorgeous colors of the leaves on the trees. But we know it can only last so long, the leaves are falling and winter will be here before too long.

As the leaves fall and the winds blow, your yard – and your gutters – fill with leaves. Even if you don’t have a tree in your yard, if you have trees in your neighborhood, your gutters are likely full of leaves, seeds and pine needles that have been blown by the winds. If left in your gutters, leaves, sticks and other debris will continue to build up in your gutters and cause serious damage when winter comes.

Here are some things to consider:

• Clogged gutters don’t drain water properly. Gutters are designed to allow water to run down to downspouts and drain away from the house and foundation. When gutters become clogged, water may spill over and run down the siding on your home, leading to stained or rotted siding. Misdirected water can eventually create cracks in siding and foundation, allowing water to make its way into your home or basement. This can cause significant problems including mold and foundation weakening.
• When water can’t drain out of clogged gutters, stagnant water collects and attracts insects and pests, including mosquitoes, creating a hazard for you and your family. Trapped water will eventually lead to rust in your gutters, particularly around screws and joints, and holes will form leading to improper draining.
• When temperatures drop, water in gutters will freeze and turn to ice. The weight of frozen gutters will eventually cause them to pull away from the house, damaging the roof and siding of your home. Ice jams or backups due to frozen gutters can cause significant damage to your roof, leading to water damage inside the house.

It’s a good idea to clean your gutter out now before more leaves fall, or winter weather returns. We recommend homeowners clean gutters they can safely reach or hire professions to clean your gutters. Regular maintenance of gutters is essential to ensuring they are functioning properly.

If your gutters have been damaged and need to be replaced, call the Rooferees today!