The gutters are an important part of your home’s roofing system. The most routine maintenance task you’ll undertake is keeping them clean and clear of debris. Roofers recommend sticking to a cleaning schedule to keep them from filling with debris. Here’s why.

Why It’s Important

Debris, such as leaves, tree branches, and other materials, is constantly accumulating in your gutters. If you don’t clear out that debris, it will lead to a stoppage that will cause the water to pool rather than go down through the downspouts. This causes the gutters to overflow and leak water down the house siding. This can cause water damage from the roof to the foundation. In a severe storm, the overflowing water could even flood a basement or destroy your landscaping. 

The water on the roof won’t be able to funnel away safely, so it will accumulate there and damage your roofing material, creating leaks that enter the attic. Mold will grow in the gutters and anywhere the moisture is present. The organic material in the gutters will decompose and grow fungus, which invites problems such as pest infestations on the roof.

How Often to Do It

Generally, roofers say you should clean your gutters at least twice a year; once in the early fall and again near the end of spring. However, you may decide to adjust the schedule based on your unique situation. If your home has a lot of trees surrounding it that shed leaves in the fall, clean your gutters every few weeks while they are losing their leaves. If you have pine trees by your home, they shed their needles year-round, which means you’ll want to clean your gutters four times a year.

Every time you clean your gutters, inspect them for signs of damage. If you see any corrosion or other issues, your roofers can get them fixed immediately. The team at Ontario Exteriors has been serving the Rochester, NY, area with dedication and quality workmanship since 1995. To best serve you, they are licensed as roofing contractors and use only the finest products from top manufacturers. Contact them online or at (585) 421-0880 to discuss your roof’s needs.