Gutters, also called eavestroughs in some areas, are an essential fixture for any modern home—and understanding their purpose and how to maintain them is a crucial piece of knowledge that every homeowner should have in mind. That said, perhaps the most common problem associated with gutters is them becoming clogged due to negligence. Keep reading to learn more about gutters and why they should be cleaned regularly—along with why fall is undoubtedly the best time of the year to clear them out and ensure they’re in tip-top shape!
Why Do I Need to Clean My Home’s Gutters?
Though often an afterthought, gutters are incredibly useful and have served homeowners well for quite some time. Their purpose is simple: they protect your home from the damage caused by precipitation and the elements by precisely redirecting the flow of water off your roof and away from your home, which in turn preserves its structural integrity.
This damage isn’t always caused by water, though—oftentimes, leaves, twigs, branches, and other types of debris find their way into gutters, and over time, these items can cause blockage that prevents your gutters from staying clear. Even critters like birds, squirrels, and opossums can nest in gutters and cause issues or damage. If water does back up in your gutters, matters become worse; the debris and pooling water can start to eat away at the gutter materials, forming leaks and holes. Once this happens, it becomes a matter of replacing the gutters entirely, rather than repairing them—and the former is the more expensive option!
Why Is Fall the Best Time to Clean My Gutters?
How often you clean your gutters depends largely on where you live; if you inhabit an area without many trees, you could probably get away with just one annual cleaning. However, if there are trees surrounding your home, you’ll probably want to clean them a few times during the year, or at least once in the spring and once again in the fall. But what makes fall such an opportune time?
The short answer is: winter is coming! The risk of clogged gutters doesn’t end once the leaves have finished falling—if you don’t clear your gutters before winter, you run the risk of things freezing over, and when melting snow has nowhere to go, it can seep through your home’s roof and cause interior damage. When water and debris freeze, it also gets heavier, which can cause the gutters to sag and pull away from the house.
The bottom line is that if you want your home’s gutters to last for as long as possible, regular maintenance is key—and Fall is the perfect time of year to clean them, no matter where you live!
About Platinum Gutters
The team at Platinum Gutters has served the DFW area for over 15 years, and they’d be pleased to assist you with all of your gutter replacement, repair, and maintenance needs. If you have any questions about the blog or want to set up a FREE in-personestimate, feel free to contact the team online or by phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (817) 380-4404.