Why you need to maintain your gutters this autumn

It’s autumn, which means it’s time to get your mind in the gutters. Especially since it’s the season when more leaves fall and can clog even the most well maintained guttering.

Yes, it’s harder to keep your gutters clean and unclogged in autumn. However, it’s crucial to preventing damage to your roof and foundations.

Here are some compelling reasons to DIY or hire a gutter cleaning pro to get your gutters glowing:

Debris can destroy your gutters

It happens slowly, but once the damage is done it can be incredibly frustrating and costly. As debris (that is, rotting leaves and twigs) collects in your gutters, it places added pressure on the system. That extra weight will eventually cause the gutters to pull away from the roof and fall down. Do you really want to deal with fallen gutters in the middle of a wintry storm? Nope.

Flooded foundation

When working properly, an adequate guttering system will drain water from the roof and away from your home. When that system is impacted by a clog or cracks, the water can collect around the property and cause serious damage to the foundations.

And if you live in a very cold climate, leaking water from damaged gutters can freeze inside the foundation and create cracks.

Mold and mildew

As if flooded foundations and broken gutters weren’t enough, blocked gutters and downpipes can also spill down the side of your home, which encourages the growth of mold and mildew. Aside from being unsightly, it can also damage the exterior of your home. Overflowing water can also rot roof tiles, and destroy your luscious landscaping and lawn.

So now we’ve convinced you to clear out your gutters this autumn, how do you do it? Well if you’re a proficient DIYer, you can grab a bucket, gloves, a hose, and a ladder and work your way around the gutters to remove debris and ensure water flows correctly. Or you can sit back and relax while a professional gutter expert gets the job done for you.

And while you’re at it, why not invest in gutter protection? Gutter guards keep debris out of your gutters year-round so you won’t have to worry about much next autumn.