A Guide to Keeping All That Gunk off 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.