Why You Need To Clean Your Gutters

Did you know not cleaning your gutters could maybe end up costing you thousands in repairs. Yep you read that correctly, gutter cleaning is one of the top things that people forget about yet it is also an essential thing to be doing to take good care of your home. A lot of the time we get calls from home owners who need a gutter repair just to go their and find their gutters filled to the brim with leaves. Especially here in NJ in the fall it is very important to do. Leaves start falling everywhere and they start building up inside your gutters. 

Another reason to clean them in the fall is because of the winter. You might think since it is the winter what is the point because leaves aren’t falling. But actually its just as bad because if you’re gutters are clogged in the winter and water isn’t flowing the water is going to freeze in the gutter. That can turn into a real mess. Another thing to look out for the snow. Snow is heavy when its piled up on top of a roof and then it all comes rushing down into the gutter, or when it is all piled up already inside the gutter.

What Issues do they cause?

Their are 5 big issues that could occur are water damage, broken gutters, flooded basement, lawn destruction, and getting a cracked house foundation. It’s crazy to think all of these issues could happen from not doing something as simple as a gutter cleaning.

To break down the issues more in detail for you:

Water Damage – When water runs over your gutters and down the sides of your home, it will eventually find its way into your home. The water can rot your siding and go into the cracks in your windows. This will go undetected by you until the real damage is done.

Broken Gutters – A lot of the time this is the most common issue we see. Their is so much debris inside the gutter that it created so much weight combined with water the hangers snapped and made the gutter break. For example one of our clients the other day needed a gutter replacement. When we got to the job site the gutters were filled to the brim with debris and that is why the gutter broke.

Flooded Basement – When water leaks over your gutter it can get into your walls and also get into your basement. We have gotten a lot of calls in the past from home owners who were told by their plumbers to call gutter people because the leak in the basement was because of over flowing gutters.

Lawn Destruction – When water flows over gutter a lot of the time it hits your lawn. This means during a storm your lawn is going to take a lot of the water from the gutters and that means that plants under the gutters could get destroyed from the amount of water pouring on top of them.

Cracked Foundation – When water is blocked from traveling away from your home, it can pool around the foundation of your house. This water can crack your foundation when it expands and freezes in the winter months.

How often should I clean them?

Experts recommend that gutters be cleaned somewhere from 2 – 3 times per year. There are two times of year where it is especially important to take care of your gutters, the spring and the fall.  It’s recommended to one in the summer for safe measures to make sure they don’t get clogged in the fall/winter. Companies like Middlesex Gutters offer really well valued gutter service plans. You pay one time for 3 scheduled gutter cleanings throughout the year and you save money on the gutter cleanings.

Should I consider Gutter Guards?

Gutter Guards are covers for your gutters that prevent debris like leaves to get into your gutter and corrode it. Gutter Guards reduce maintenance required and make it easier to keep your gutter clean. Gutter Guards also help improve water flow because water can get through easier without having to go through a ton of debris. Gutter guards can save you a lot of money in the long run and they are a worthwhile investment.

Now that you’re familiar with the importance of gutter cleaning, what’s next? While there’s no simple answer for how often you should clean your gutters, clearing gutters every fall and spring can help alleviate the risk of a potential homeowner headache.

Don’t hesitate to call a professional roofing company if you have any questions or doubt about the condition of your gutters. Experienced gutter professionals, like our team at Middlesex Gutters, are qualified to determine the safety and stability of your home.