The primary function of gutters are to remove storm water from the roof and discharge it away from the foundation. This is generally done either above ground or under the ground in a series of drain pipes. When operating correctly gutters will protect the exterior of the home and foundation or basement from flooding with water during a rainstorm.
Often times when gutters are installed on a home owners tend to forget that they need to be cleaned on a regular basis. When neglected, gutters tend to get clogged over time with leaves and straw. As gutters become blocked, the water can’t drain out as needed and the water will backup and overflow the gutter walls into the eaves on the home. This will eventually cause the wood on the eaves and the roof to rot and put unnecessary weight on the gutters.
It is important that two times a year you get your gutters cleaned. Many people think that if they don’t have trees around their home that they don’t need to clean their gutters, but that’s not the case. Birds and the wind can aid in debris ending up in your gutters. You may need to get your gutters cleaned four times a year if you have a lot of trees in your yard.
You can also enter into a service contract with a gutter installer to provide routine cleaning and inspection of the gutters. Under a service contract such as this, the installer will check for problems with the gutters and clean out any debris that could clog the downspouts. Many of these agreements come with a limited warranty.
If you are the do-it-yourself type then you can always clean your gutters yourself. If you do decide to take on the task yourself do so cautiously. If your roof has a steep slope or if your house is higher than one story it may be better to leave the job to the professionals. It’s not worth getting hurt just to save a few dollars.
In closing
Keeping your gutters clean is a very important part of preserving your homes exterior, interior, and foundation. This is a task that will be well worth the money spent in the long run.