The gutters shield the roof and other housing components from potential water damage by collecting rainwater from the roof and directing it away from the house. However, despite the gutter system’s importance in water management, many homeowners ignore their gutters until they see cracks in the gutter or water overflow.
Leaves and other debris forms can easily accumulate in the gutter, mainly when homeowners live in areas that experience strong winds.
Debris clogging the gutters prevent water from flowing into the downspouts and the drain, causing water to accumulate and overflow from the gutter. Water overflow can seep into the soffit and fascia, causing these and other wooden roofing materials to rot. Water intrusion can also cause moisture to build up in the attic, leading to the deterioration of other interior roof components and compromising the roofing system’s structural integrity.
Moreover, overflowing water from the gutters will also spill off in the garden beds and landscape. Too much water can destroy the landscape and drown plants and flowers. It can also cause the soil to erode, which will eventually result in the weakening, cracking, or shifting of the home’s foundation.
Cleaning and maintaining the gutters can prevent obstructions from blocking the water flow down the drain and overflowing and spilling in different areas of the house. Performing gutter cleaning and maintenance is a fairly straightforward job. Homeowners can perform DIY cleaning of the gutters, provided that they have the necessary tools, such as a ladder, gloves, garden hose, and a scooping tool, and follow safety measures.
Residents can also hire professional roofers to ensure more thorough cleaning of the gutters. Roofing contractors in Suffolk County, NY, are not only skilled at cleaning roofing components, but they can also conduct an in-depth inspection and preventive maintenance of the structure.
Routine maintenance and inspection will help homeowners determine if there are roof damage signs requiring roofing repair in Suffolk County to address developing roofing issues as early as possible and guarantee a structurally sound roofing system.
If you want to know more about the importance of gutter cleaning and maintaining, read this infographic from Long Island Roofing and Chimney:
