21 Sep 2023

Get Ready for Winter with Gutter Cleaning

Although we may not have been ready for summer to end, fall is decidedly here, and we will be moving on to winter before we know it. But before we brace ourselves for another chilly New England winter, there’s plenty to do this fall to ensure we’re ready. We have leaves to rake, plants to tend, and—of course— gutters to clean. Gutter cleaning probably isn’t anyone’s favorite fall chore, but it’s one that you really shouldn’t skip. It may not seem like a big deal at first, but clogged gutters can lead to some serious issues in the winter.  

Do you want to make sure your home is ready for winter? Here’s why you shouldn’t leave gutter cleaning off your to-do list.

 

Clogged gutters can damage your roof.

We install gutters on our homes so that water can flow away from the foundation and drain when we want it. They are not there to fill with water, gunk, and sludge and then overflow. Overflowing gutters can cause problems for your foundation (we’ll come back to that), and the added weight can also damage your roof. If the gutters become too heavy or fill with water and freeze, they can pull away from your roof. If you’re lucky, that will only damage the gutters. But if you’re not, you could be looking at some serious roof damage.  

Overflowing can lead to erosion issues.

As we mentioned, gutters are supposed to divert water away from your house. When they are clogged, they can’t do that, and the water overflows and splashes down around your foundation. The result will be a muddy mess, but it could also be much worse. Water damage, erosion, and cracks in your foundation are all possibilities. You don’t want to deal with these issues at any time, but especially not in the winter.

Backed-up gutters lead to ice dams.

Ice dams are definitely something you want to avoid. Poor roof ventilation can cause them to form, but so can clogged gutters. When snow builds up on your roof, the bottom layers melt first. That water then flows down to your gutters. If it can’t flow away, it refreezes. Then, when more snow melts, it meets that ice in your gutters and also freezes. Soon, you have an ice dam on your roof. Ice dams can cause leaks, loosen shingles, or even pull your gutters down.  

Get ready for winter with professional gutter cleaning from Pro Exteriors. Contact our team to learn more about our services, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for tips and updates!