While it may be easy to forget about your gutters in the wake of other home features, these simple devices are crucial to avoiding the need for roofing repair. The gutters are necessary to protect your home's roof and prolong its life, so learn more about maintaining them below.

Why Are Gutters Beneficial?

Gutters ensure all water and debris are guided safely off the roof and away from your home's foundation. If they aren't performing these duties efficiently, water can pool on the surface and increases the chances that you'll need roofing repairs.

The longer water stands on the roof, the more severe the damage can become. Eventually, the wood may rot, the shingles and surrounding soffit or fascia may deteriorate, and costly leaks may become more common.

In the winter, functioning gutters also protect the roof from ice dams. These occur when the warmer air inside the home melts the ice or snow on the roof, causing the melted water to drain to the colder exterior shingles where it refreezes and damages the materials. Luckily, innovative gutter systems come with heating cables that prevent the snow from refreezing and forming an ice dam.

Finally, an efficient gutter system is also key to keeping debris off your roof. If leaves and sticks are left to accumulate for too long, they'll trap moisture on the surface and cause mold or mildew. These growths then trap moisture and degrade the quality of your shingles and shakes.

How Should You Maintain Gutters?

To keep your gutters operating efficiently, perform regular cleanings twice a year. Spring and autumn are the best times to do this because of the increased chance of rain and debris buildup on the roof.

During the cleanings, also search for signs of leaks, rust, and loose joints. If any issues are found, have them fixed immediately.

Another way to keep debris out of the gutters is to have the roof cleaned to prevent leaves and other items from being washed away. For additional protection, install a gutter guard over the system to trap debris before it gets into your gutters while still allowing water to drain away from the home.

 

Avoid costly roofing repairs by letting the team at Forest Park Roofing install a new gutter system for your home. This family-owned and -operated business has been serving the greater Cincinnati, OH, area for 40 years, so they have the experience and tools needed to ensure you have the perfect system. Call (513) 851-2879 to schedule a consultation, or visit them online to learn more about their services.