Few things better represent fall than the leaves on your trees changing color and eventually falling to the ground. While most of these leaves end up on your lawn, a fair number land on your roof and in your gutter system. Without proper gutter cleaning, this could ultimately pose several problems for your home. Here’s a closer look at why this household maintenance task is so important.

Removing Debris

As dry leaves accumulate in your gutters, they may not appear to be a serious issue. But as soon as a heavy rainstorm hits, those leaves will result in massive clogs that make it difficult for water to drain properly. Depending on the severity of the storm, this could cause water to overflow, resulting in potential damage to your exterior siding and the home’s foundation.

Leaves are also likely to trap water after a storm. The resulting moisture can gradually deteriorate your gutters, eventually resulting in costly replacements. This also creates an ideal environment for insects and other pests.

Winter Woes

The long-term impact of gutter cleaning becomes even more pronounced during the winter. If you fail to remove leaves and other debris, trapped water will freeze when winter temperatures arrive. This increases the risk of ice dams, which can damage shingles and cause roof leaks, as well as sagging gutters.

An alternative to fall cleaning is to install gutter covers over your pre-existing system. These covers block leaves from getting swept into your gutters—while still allowing for proper storm drainage. 

Need help caring for your rain gutters? Serving the Upper Cumberland, TN, area since 1976, the team at Borden Seamless Guttering & Siding is dedicated to providing quality results that will keep your home in great shape. Whether you need to replace a downspout or schedule fall gutter cleaning, they’ll provide a timely, budget-friendly response for your home. To learn more about their services or request a free estimate, visit them online or call (931) 528-2816.