Gutters are a necessary component of any roofing system. They are responsible for gathering storm water runoff, filtering it, and directing it away from the property and down the street. Without gutters, the rain would simply run down the side of the roof and into the ground. Gutters also provide a means to keep water away from the foundation of the home, which could weaken the building. Here, I will talk about what gutters do, why they are necessary, and how often should I be cleaning my gutters?

Common Gutter Types

The most common gutter installation is the standard, which is made out of galvanized steel or copper. The traditional installation requires four to six feet of water to flow through the gutter. However, if there is much more debris to get rid of, the clean gutters might take longer, and also the cleaning costs might reflect that extra time spent. If you want the fastest and easiest way to clean gutters, hire a contractor to install your gutters for you.

Protection For your Home

Gutters do more than keep water off your home’s exterior: they keep out large pieces of debris and small animals. That’s what allows your cat to climb up your roof! Without gutters to keep the debris out, your home would become a house of mud and moss. A clean gutting system prevents this from happening.

Gutter Cleaning

Most people question how often the gutters need to be cleaned. Gutters only need to be cleaned every three years according to most experts, though a thorough cleaning is recommended every year. Cleaning your gutters less often actually makes them even more prone to clogging, which is what causes them to become clogged in the first place. Clogged gutters are a bigger problem than you might think, since they make it harder for rain and other water to get into your home. This can lead to a buildup of pressure, which can cause serious problems, including leaks and burst pipes.

Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters are often caused by gutter guards. These simple plastic devices prevent leaves, twigs, pine needles, nuts and other debris from entering the gutters. Unfortunately, without gutter guards, leaves can become big enough to get inside the gutters. This can cause a lot of problems with your roof, including leaks and bursts. Clogged gutters are more often the source of tree damage rather than actual damage to the roof itself, so in the long run, they’re really more of a waste than anything else.

The bottom line is that having your gutters cleaned is an extremely small price to pay when compared to the potential damage they could cause if they aren’t properly maintained. There’s no extra time or money involved with cleaning gutters once you hire a local gutter cleaning service; in most cases, you just have to pay for the prevention. Gutter cleaning costs are generally very low compared to the extra maintenance, but there are times when they are really necessary. If you suspect your gutters need cleaning, call a local gutter cleaning service today to find out what options are available to you.