You may not take much notice of the gutters hanging off the edge of your roof, but you should—the gutter system plays a critical role in protecting your roof and your home. Gutters filled with dirt and debris can cause a lot of damage, so now that spring is here it’s time to add “cleaning the gutters” to your to-do list. Here are some of the reasons clean gutters are so important.
Avoid Roof Leaks
Gutter protection systems in Milwaukee help to keep your gutters clean and clear so water can flow freely from the roof to the spouts, and safely away from your home. Without gutter protection, debris in the gutter causes water to build up on the edge of the roof that can wear out your shingles and lead to cracks, curls, buckling shingles, and leaks in the roof that are expensive to repair.
Protect Your Foundation and Basement
If you don’t have a gutter protection system in Milwaukee, your probably have twigs, dirt, rocks, and granules from roof shingles, which can lead to leaking basements or foundation damage. If gutters cannot safely channel water from the roof away from the home, it often pools at the base of the house and weakens the concrete footings. This can lead to leaks and flooding in the basement, or foundation cracks if you don’t have a basement. This is especially dangerous in the spring because nighttime temperatures can still dip into freezing, and freezing water makes cracks and leaks even more severe.
Prevent Slips and Falls
Another reason to clean your Milwaukee gutters is to protect your family and friends. Homes that have water overflowing from the gutters can have excess water on the sidewalks and walkways, leading to slippery conditions. This is especially true in the evenings and night hours, when the temperature is cold and water could freeze.
Protect Your Landscape
One final reason to clean your Milwaukee gutters is to protect your yard. Proper gutter systems channel water to areas of the yard that can absorb it safely, while overflowing gutters can erode the soil and lead to washed out landscaping, especially for newer plants, grass, and trees.
Once they are clean, consider installing a gutter protection system for your Milwaukee home to keep debris out for good.
