The Importance of Gutters

As a homeowner, you probably think about some parts of your home more than others. While you might think carefully about the color of your home’s exterior, the maintenance inside and out, and your interior decorating choices, for example, you probably don’t think too much about the gutters. In fact, some people wonder if gutters are really necessary at all. In truth, gutters are a vital part of your home, a small detail that makes a huge difference in the safety and stability of your home. Gutters do the job of guiding rainwater off of the roof, and the downspouts carry it away from the foundation of the house. This is vital to your home’s wellbeing because rainwater running down the house and pooling around the foundation can cause cracks in the foundation, damage to the siding and windows, basement flooding, and mold growth. Left unchecked, it can even compromise the structural integrity of your home. In this way, gutters are the first line of defense for your home, helping to maintain its value and stability.

Gutter Maintenance Tips to Use Year Round: A Guide to Seasonal Gutter Care

To keep your gutters in good working order, you need to keep up with some maintenance. Of course, some seasons are harder than others on your roof and gutters. If you conduct regular maintenance and follow a seasonal maintenance schedule you can address minor issues with your gutters before they cause a problem for your home. At least twice a year, and more often if you live in an area that has frequent heavy storms, thoroughly inspect your gutters. Check to see if they are sagging or pulling away from the house, and look for any rust or corrosion. Check the seams and corners for leaks, and check the gutters and downspouts for clogs. Then, each season, take some extra time to address any issues.

• In the spring, help the gutters recover from the winter. There may be an accumulation of debris from winter storms, and there can also be damage from ice and snow. Inspect the gutters thoroughly and give them a good cleaning. If the leaves are dry, a leaf blower can be useful. If they are damp, consider a scoop and a bucket. Then use a pressure washer to thoroughly clean the gutters and downspouts.
• In the summer, protect your gutters from natural intrusion. Overhead tree branches can create excessive debris, so trim them away from the gutters. It may surprise you to learn that sometimes, birds nest in gutters in the spring. Make sure there are no birds nests in your gutters, and if there are, remove them.
• In autumn, falling leaves can impede the flow of water in your gutters. This can lead to more cleaning duties for you, unless you install gutter guards. Autumn is the most important season for gutter maintenance, because that’s when you prepare them to stand up to harsh winter weather.
• In the winter, ice dams often form in the gutters. As snow melts on a warm roof, it runs onto the eaves and into the gutters, refreezing in the process. This ice keeps building, and eventually, it can become so heavy that it can loosen the shingles or even tear off the gutter. Even worse, this can force water under the shingles, where it will leak into the home’s interior, causing damage to the insulation, ceilings, walls, and floors.

Extending Gutter Lifespan Through Regular Maintenance

The right maintenance can help your gutters function properly for many years to come. If you keep your gutters clean, inspect them regularly, and repair any minor issues promptly, you can keep them in great shape and protect their integrity. Installing gutter guards can also help by alleviating the need for frequent cleaning. There are different types of gutter guards, so discuss gutter protection with a professional installer in order to find the right guards for your house. Another way to lessen your workload and prolong the lifespan of your gutters is to schedule professional gutter cleaning on a regular basis. That way, you can be confident that the gutters are cleaned and inspected thoroughly, and any necessary repairs are handled efficiently.

For Gutter Installation and Maintenance, as Well as Gutter Repair, Logan UT Residents Trust Skabelund Roofing

Skabelund Roofing has been providing quality roofs and excellent customer service to the Logan and Layton, UT area for over 30 years. Some have called us the best roofers in the valley, and we strive to live up to that label, training each new member of our team so that they master their craft and approach roofing like an art. Skabelund Roofing is a team of licensed roofers, with experience in all types of residential and commercial roofing, and we have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Affiliated with Skabelund Exteriors, we also install siding, and our affiliate company, Heritage Rain Gutters provides a wide array of gutter services. We’re proud to serve the residents of the Cache Valley, so whether you live in Layton, Nibley, South Jordan, West Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, Washington Terrace, or Logan, UT,  contact us for more information about how we can improve the look and function of your home.