subject: Protect Your Home By Cleaning Gutters Before The Winter Season [print this page] Gutters are essential to protect your home from damage. They are attached to the edge of the roof and their main purpose is to carry the rain and melted snow from the roof via the downspout. The downspout is attached to the gutters, which carries the water away from the roof and the foundation of the home. The water is collected or directed away from the home to stop buildup. Depending on where the water builds up it can damage to the roof, the foundation and your lawn.
Gutters can fill up with all sorts of things. From leaves to wasp's nests and dirt, all of these things can stop the gutters from performing, as they should. If they become clogged with debris, any melted ice or rain will pour over the gutters rather than being carried to the downspout. This can cause icicles to form, rain to pour onto the exterior of the home and result in damage that can be expensive to repair.
Besides pouring over the side of the home, the water or ice can back up on the roof causing tears and leaks. Many people do not realize that when mold becomes a problem inside the home it is often due to their gutters being backed up. Water overflowing from gutters can cause ceilings and walls to become moldy and this is very unhealthy.
Leaves from trees in the autumn are one of the main causes of gutters that do not drain properly. After the trees have shed most of their leaves is the best time to clean out gutters and ensure that everything is draining correctly. Another reason it is so important to make sure that gutters are cleaned out is because water build up creates the perfect place for mosquitoes to breed.
Sometimes people are either unaware that they need to check gutters to make sure they are free of debris or they are nervous about climbing a ladder. When gutters are not maintained, the water can creep into the basements, crawl spaces and other areas of the home. This will not only cause mold and mildew to form, but wood used in the construction of the home can rot and cause structural damage.
Before winter sets in, it is best to take care of gutters by cleaning them out as well as inspecting them for damage. This will aid in keeping your home from needing repairs due to water damage that can be quite expensive.
