This autumn, you will have to clean out your gutters regularly if you don't want it clogging your system when winter arrives. The cold winter isn't exactly the best time to think of gutter repair and replacement. The end of autumn is the most opportune time to clear gutters and downspouts of the usual channel dregs: leaves, twigs, other seasonal debris.

You will need a ladder sturdy enough to carry your own weight. Bring a garden hose with a jet nozzle with you; it should be enough to clear off solid debris that have collected in your gutters for quite some time. You should also protect your hands from sharp debris and insects by wearing safety gloves.

Remove as many leaves, twigs, and other foliage litter by hand and place them in garbage bags. You can also use a trusty trowel to get rid of those pesky caked-in dirt. Remove the filler in your downspout and clear the area as far down as you can.

Now it's time to use the hose. Aim the jet nozzle at the surface of your gutter and spray at a diagonal angle so the splashback on your clothes and face will be minimized. You should then aim the spray along the downspout and check to see if water coming out at the bottom end is consistent with how much you're letting in. If it isn't, your downspout is clogged or has a leak.

It may not seem like it, but water actually contributes considerably to the degradation of your home, which is why water collection components like gutters and downspouts are installed onto the edges of roofs. Without gutters and downspouts, water could end up dripping down the roof's edge and along the walls, and seeping through semi-permeable surfaces like untreated wood and walls.

However, gutters are also prone to the most annoying of roofing system glitches—gutter clogs. A clogged-up gutter would fill up easily and cause water to overflow. When water overflows, gutters don't serve their purpose anymore which is to draw rainwater away from the walls of your house to prevent it from soaking or permeating into the foundations of your property.

If you can manage it yourself, get a ladder and check debris or fallen leaves collecting in your gutters and remove them. Get a bucket (or a garbage bag) and a garden trowel, and slowly scoop up all the gunk. If you're confident enough to work on your roof, you could also

use a power hose and flush some water into your gutters to clear up the blockages in your downspouts.

Gutter cleaning is best undertaken at the tail end of autumn when the trees would have shed their leaves (or during the season itself for spot cleaning), and in the start of spring when seeding begins everywhere, even in the dirt cracks inside the gutters. Install gutter guards to reduce the need to clean your gutters frequently.

A lot of homeowners install gutter guards in their roofing system to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging their gutters. There are different types of gutter guards, and it is pays to know which one should fit right into the ones you have. The wrong cap can render the protective device useless and can cause debris build up just as effectively as a gutter without a protective cover.

A reverse curve is usually made of vinyl, plastic or aluminum and is designed with an opening to direct water downwards and allow the leaves to fall on the ground. A mesh gutter guard is a sheet layer filled with holes attached to the sides of the gutter. The small holes filter out the debris while allowing water to drain right into the gutter.

A brush gutter guard is designed with its bristles facing upright to prevent debris from entering the gutter while the water flows in the downspout. Nylon gutter guards are used more suitably in the winter to keep snow and ice from accumulating in the gutters. This type of gutter guard are designed to fit without having to be attached to the edges or to the shingles.

Foam gutter guards are made from plastic and can be cut to sit perfectly around gutter edges, and they do help block debris from accumulating in the gutter. Non-gutter covers can be actual replacements for gutters, and are designed as thin louvers to divert the rain into the proper channels toward the downspouts.

Excessive snowfall entraps residents inside their homes, and unless your homes is built to protect and keep you warm in those biting days, it's likely that a tiny crack in the ceiling or blocked vent or gutter in your roof will have created a bigger and more troublesome leak. When problems in out-of-the way parts, such as roofing tiles and gutters, are unaddressed, water eventually takes a toll on these parts and into the inner spaces as well.

To maintain the integrity of your home, like everything else, you cannot underestimate the importance of conducting proper roof and gutter inspection and maintenance. Your roof may have holes and cracks that required attention last year. But with the onset of harsh weather, these breaches will have worsened and cause full-blown leaks. The accumulation of moisture also leads to mold buildup, as well as to pest and insect infestations.

Unmaintained gutters become clogged with leafs, twigs, and other debris that block the passageway of water into downspouts that lead water away from the foundations. Excessive water or ice buildup along the gutters can also enter and damage the house.

Postponing repairs will only lead to worse consequences, especially once the spring rains and the winter snowfalls fully settle in and make it almost impossible to conduct repairs. Do the necessary maintenance and repair work on your own or have a professional contractor take a look as soon as possible. Ensure that your house is prepared and fortified once the winter season rolls around.

Fall is in full swing, and the trees in your area are probably shedding leaves like they're snowflakes. Before real snow descends, however, you might want to check your gutters to see if they're choked with fallen leaves. Cleaning them now prevents them from being clogged by ice and snow when the winter rolls in.

Begin by setting the ladder near a corner downspout. Using a trowel or your gloved hands, carefully pull away the leaves and twigs from the spout so that none will fall in and cause a clog. Take it slowly but surely until you finish an entire length.

You may bring a plastic bag with you when you go up and dump the leaves in it. Alternatively, you can set a wheelbarrow or a section of tarp beneath the ladder and just drop what you scoop out there. Don't get rid of the leaves though—they'll make for great compost or mulch for your plants.

With the leaves gone, spray down the gutters to clean out whatever debris might have been left behind. This is also a good opportunity to check if they have any leaks, which a silicone sealant will easily patch up. You may also purchase products like GutterHelmet so that leaves slide of your roof instead of falling into and clogging your gutter.

Water isn't the only thing a gutter can catch; it can also be leaves, shingle debris, and even critters. It may occur to you that the gutter is a pain to clean up, even if doing so is only as frequent as once or twice a year. A gutter cover is always an option, keeping everything but the runoff away from the gutter. Then again, wouldn't it be more prudent to go gutter-less?

It's possible to not install a gutter at all, provided that your roof meets the conditions deemed ideal by roofing experts. Aside from living in a dry area, you may not need a gutter if the overhang extends long enough to prevent water from seeping into the foundation. The landscape is also taken into account; a downward gradient toward the street gutter will channel water farther from the house. Many homes in the U.S. don't have gutters, but not all of them have met these ideal conditions.

A professional can look at your home and determine whether or not you need a gutter. Unless these conditions can be met, you're better off installing a gutter and a gutter cover while you're at it. Either way, you won't have to worry about debris getting stuck on the gutter. 

The gutters are part of a defensive line that protects your home's interior from the elements, especially running water from heavy rains. As such, keeping them in top shape will be vital to ensuring the safety of your roofing system. The problem is: just how will you deal with all the refuse that will be cluttering your troughs and presenting headaches for cleaning efforts?

First, you should study the immediate area for the potential causes of the clutter. If the area is littered with trees, the high chances are very high that dry twigs or leaves will fall on the roof and go down to the troughs, especially during autumn. If need be, consider hiring a garden professional to go up and trim the branches from time to time.

The weather is of utmost concern; even if the area around your house is clear of any trees, wind conditions can still blow them over. Check your roofing system for signs of deterioration; if the roof is made up of asphalt shingles, watch for the granules seeping down to the troughs. While the granules may be fine in some cases, they can compromise the gutter troughs and clog the passage in large amounts. Make the effort to clean your gutters monthly and then add protectiven sleeves.

It takes approximately six weeks for a leaf to completely decompose with the right amount of exposure to the sun and air. Thicker leaves take a little bit more time, with those containing more sugar rotting at a faster rate. When mixed with nitrogen-rich grass cuttings in a compost pit, leaves can be broken down even faster.

However, even after the decomposition process is complete, traces of residue will still remain. In gardening, this residue makes soils richer in nutrients; it has business being in your gutters, however. That's why you shouldn't allow these leaves to accumulate on your roofing system's gutters.

Leaves that haven't fully decomposed attract all types of insects, which in turn attracts birds, squirrels and other urban critters. Their presence compromises the structural integrity of your home exterior and it won't be long until these animals bore a passageway right into your home, giving an opening for rainwater and other things your roofing is supposed to protect you from.

Damage to the roofing may affect your insulation and cost you steeper utility bills. Moreover, damaged ceilings, moist walls with peeling paint and vulnerable electric and plumbing systems are not cheap repairs either. To avoid these issues, make sure that your gutters are routinely cleaned. Better yet, have someone install gutter guards on them, so you won't ever have to worry about clogging gutters.

Leaves, twigs, petals and other organic debris will accumulate on your gutter sooner or later─ and on more than one occasion too. Once the gutter gets clogged, rainwater can leave damages along the path of its detour as it makes its way to the other areas of the house. It's important to note that your gutter is supposed to provide a clear diversion route for the rainwater as a form of protection for the whole structure.

Gutter guards, screens, and other elements are meant to lend a helping hand to that end; none of them, however, can remove the cleaning chore out of the maintenance work equation. The gutter accessories are able to keep a fraction of the debris out of the way, but smaller obstructions (which can eventually pile up to become major hindrances) can effortlessly pass through them. As a result, the gutter will still be left filled with debris that must be completely removed as soon as possible.

Regular maintenance enables the roof system to function well but executing the task is easier said than done in real life. Still, it needs to be done; otherwise, you would have to deal with even more headaches down the line.

Into the final months of the year, the warmth of summer gives way to the chill of fall. People slowly begin covering up while animals begin stocking up on fat in preparation for the lack of food. Trees also begin to shed off their leaves.

The beautiful image of falling leaves is a reminder for a lot of people that winter is coming. Some find the scene romantic. Others see these falling leaves as unnecessary litter in their backyards. People spend countless hours raking these leaves away. There is, however, some good that people can get from keeping these leaves within the premises of their homes.

Keeping these leaves inside will provide food for earthworms and various insects. These insects, in turn, are a treat for various birds. Keeping fallen leaves inside the yard could mean contributing to the development of a healthy ecosystem.

These leaves are also excellent landing pads for children. Children can do a lot with a bunch of leaves. In addition, the children crumble the leaves in the process, which makes it good compost material for the lawn. If one is sick of all the leaves, he can just mow over it and still contribute to the betterment of the soil.

Falling leaves are more important to nature than one could imagine. All it takes is just a little creativity in breaking them down, and the Earth will be happy for it.

Gutters are plagued by many problems that can affect how well they function. You need only one storm to show just how important it is to address these problems early. Being able to identify some of the most common gutter problems is therefore crucial. Here are three examples to help you.

Clogs

Without gutter guards, the channels where rainwater is supposed to flow through can clog up with dirt and debris through time. This needs to be addressed immediately, whether you scoop up the dirt using your own ladder and work gloves or call in a professional. Install guards to minimize this.

Leaks

One small leak means a huge water flow problem because water is no longer being efficiently led away from where it could do some damage (foundation, structural support, etc.). Gutters can also spring leaks because of the wear and tear caused by clogs, highlighting the domino effect of how one problem can lead to another.

Warping

There is more to warping than a simple functional concern; your gutter can also reduce your home's curb appeal. Warps and sags are caused by constant thermal expansion and contraction, corrosion, and yes, clogs, too.

There are many other gutter problems homeowners are constantly faced with, one example of which is the buildup of ice dams. It's really a matter of “prevention is better than cure” to keep your gutters from experiencing these problems.

Your home's gutter plays a very important role in keeping your house free from flooding and water damage. This is why you should always make sure that your gutters are clean, well maintained, and fully operational. That said, here are three signs that your gutters are ready for a thorough cleanup.

Growing Plant-life

When you see leafy organisms start to grow out of your home's gutters, you'll know that you've left it uncleaned for too long. This means that enough soil and dirt have accumulated enough for weeds and plants to grow, which is bad news for when heavy rains come.

Nesting Birds

Yet another kind of living thing that you could find on a gutter are nesting birds. Clogged gutters attract nesting birds because they would already contain much of the materials they need to build their homes. As good as it is to give animals a home, this is definitely not the right place for it.

Obvious Sagging

Gutters will sag because they are already full to the brim with dirt and debris, so if you see yours precariously dipping, you are definitely due for a cleanup or even a replacement. Don't wait until it falls to do something about it.

It's better early than late or never when it comes to cleaning up a clogged gutter. Otherwise, you might just regret leaving it for when your home is already water-logged and devastated.

When people talk about roof care, they talk about the weather and how much it damages their roofing systems. This is not the complete picture. One of the worst enemies any home can have when it comes to protecting roofing is the presence of birds.

Birds generally do not discriminate on roofing material. It doesn't matter whether you have wood or asphalt shingles; either of these are fair game, and they will find a way to slowly but surely damage your roofing. But what attracts them to your roofing in the first place? The answer is insects.

Many insects lay their eggs in stagnant water; on the surface of a roof, dents and other malformations are potential containers of such water. However, the primary source of stagnant water is clogged rain gutters, and this is why it is very important to maintain its cleanliness all throughout the year.

Something as simple as a partially-clogged gutter can bring the entire system down when the damages pile up. After all, insects that dwell on clogged gutters can attract even bigger insects and other animals that feed on them. Just imagine the strain that squirrels, frogs, birds and suchlike would put on your roofing system.

A person who doesn't like the dramatic colors that leaves adapt when autumn comes is probably rare—maybe homeowners who don't relish cleaning their gutters? A majority of people though continue to believe that trees “die” when the cold season comes in. That's not the case; in fact, it is drought that makes trees with broad leaves shed.

Leaves are important parts of a plant because it is on their surface where photosynthesis occurs. To be able to commence the process, leaves absorb water, carbon dioxide and light. The act of taking all these ingredients in requires so much suction force that the leaves end up sweating profusely. With lesser rainwater falling in autumn and leaves continuing to sweat huge amounts of water, they will be dried up by winter.

To prevent this from happening, trees shedding their leaves would rather lose their capacity to produce organic compounds— their “food”— than be dehydrated during winter. This mechanism is apparently genetic, as broad-leaf trees still shed in places with wetter autumns and winters. Once the cold weather arrives, however, trees automatically will let go of their leaves.

Coniferous trees are, of course, an exception. Why? Their needle-like leaves do not have enough surface to produce the sweating that will leave them dried out. Their leaves are also