Gutters: Why It’s Important to Clean Before Winter Storms Arrive

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

Time to clean your gutters!

Fall is a beautiful time of year. Leaves from the trees change from green to yellow or red. Then there is the aftermath of leaves that make their way into gutters. If you aren’t part of the growing numbers of homeowners that are replacing their gutters with guards that block the leaves here are a few of the reasons you may want to get those gutters cleaned before the winter storms hit:

Gutters themselves can become damaged over time from not being cleared:

Aside from becoming an eye sore, as things can grow out of the gutters as the leaves break down, the weight of the gutters can increase with the buildup of organic matter that breaks down from the leaves. This could lead to the gutters pulling away from the face boards on the roof line.

Crawlspaces or Basements can become flooded:

With a clogged gutter, the rainfall can run over the gutter and collect around the perimeter of the home. The water can then find its’ way through the foundation into the basement or crawlspace under the home. The foundation can become compromised overtime by becoming unstable due to settling or cracking. If not detected soon enough you may end up with further damages due to mold growth on any part of the structure under the home.

While we may not be able to clean your gutters for you, we here at SERVPRO of Salem West and of SERVPRO of Lincoln and Polk Counties can assist in the cleaning of your basement or crawl space from any water damage. Call us 24/7 at (503) 393-9999.