Keep Your Gutters Clean: Tips for Debris-free Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters are more than just a nuisance. When gutters and downspouts are clogged with debris, it can cause water damage to your home. In this blog post, we’ll talk about how gutters get clogged, what kind of debris clogs gutters, and why it’s so important to keep your gutters and downspouts clear of debris. Then we’ll share some tips for how to keep your gutters clean and clear of debris, including keeping trees trimmed, cleaning gutters yourself, hiring professional gutter cleaners, or installing gutter guards. For help with gutter cleaning or gutter guards in Raleigh, contact Peak Performance Gutter Protection today!
How Gutters Get Clogged
Gutters and downspouts get clogged with all kinds of debris, including leaves, twigs, pest nests, toys, garbage, dirt, pinecones, and acorns. Gutters are often long, complex systems, depending on the size of your house. This means there are lots of opportunities for clogs and it’s critical to maintain a free flow of water throughout the entire gutter and downspout system.
Elements that contribute to clogged gutters include trees that are close to the home and shed leaves; birds, chipmunks, squirrels, and insects buildings nests; rainfall that drives roof debris into the gutter system; rogue toys that end up on the roof and eventually make their way to the gutters; buildup of mold, dirt, and grime over time; and more. The longer you wait to clean out your gutters, the worse the clogs will get.
The Dangers of Clogged Gutters
When gutters are clogged, water can’t flow freely through them and can back up onto your roof or spill over the sides of the gutters. This can cause water damage to your roof, siding, or foundation. In addition, clogged gutters can cause ice dams in the winter, which can lead to even more water damage.
Clogged gutters can also get so heavy that they start to bend, break, and pull away from the roof. Clogged gutters can also overspill and stain themselves and your home’s siding. You’ve probably noticed houses that really don’t look their best and it’s possible that a clogged gutter system has something to do with it.
At Peak Performance, we’ve seen it all when it comes to gutters. So how do you keep your gutters clean and clear of debris? Here are some tips:
- Keep trees trimmed. If you have trees near your house, make sure to trim branches that hang over the roof or gutters. This will help stop leaves and twigs from clogging your gutter system.
- Clean gutters yourself. If you don’t mind getting dirty, you can clean your gutters yourself. Use a ladder to reach the gutters, and use a garden hose or pressure washer to remove debris. However, getting up on a ladder can be dangerous, and this is a tedious, time-consuming, and often icky task. This is why you may consider the next option.
- Hire professional gutter cleaners. If you’d rather not clean your gutters yourself, you can hire professional gutter cleaners to do it for you. At Peak Performance, we offer full gutter system cleaning for homes and businesses of any size. Learn more about our greater Raliegh gutter cleaning services.
- Install gutter guards. Gutter guards are a mesh system installed over your gutters to help keep debris from getting into your gutters in the first place. There are many different types of gutter guards available, so it’s wise to work with a professional to determine the right type and style for your home. At Peak Performance, we offer a full spectrum of gutter guard services – from consultation to installation to maintenance. Learn more about our greater Raleigh gutter guard services.
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about your gutters until there’s a problem. And by then, it’s often too late. Gutters get clogged with all sorts of debris, from leaves and branches to dirt and mud. This can lead to water spilling over the edge of the gutter and onto your roof – or even into your home. It’s important to keep your gutters clean and clear of debris so they can do their job properly. At Peak Performance, we offer gutter cleaning and gutter guard installation services to help keep your gutters clean and clear. Contact us today to learn more!
