Even something seemingly insignificant as clogged gutters may considerably impact the value of a home, as many homeowners fail to realise. Water cannot be adequately channelled away from a property if a gutter becomes clogged.
As a result, water will seep over the guttering’s edge, which can cause several potentially costly issues. Blocked gutters can cause various problems, including structural damage, foundation damage, and the growth of mould and mildew.
Checking your gutters regularly is the simplest method to avoid problems in the future. Gutters are usually located at the top of a building making them difficult to inspect. However, you may often spot apparent symptoms if you know where to look..
If your gutters are getting clogged, it could be for several reasons. Here are four of the most common reasons why gutters get clogged and what you can do to prevent it:
1. Leaves and Debris
Leaves and debris are one of the most typical causes of blockages. When leaves remain in gutters for too long, they begin to decompose.
This decomposition process generates heat, which can cause pollutants to enter the water. Leaves also attract mould, which further promotes the growth of bacteria.
Even a mild buildup of leaves can cause severe issues with a gutter’s ability to drain water. Leaves also tend to be light and capture air.
If left untouched, this air can also cause blockages. The best way to avoid this gutter problem is to keep an eye out for leaves and clean them out of your gutters as soon as possible. If a gutter is partially blocked, use a net to remove the debris before it has a chance to build up.
2. Animal Nests
Another common reason for clogged gutters is animal nests. Birds, squirrels, and other animals love to build nests in gutters, and these nests can quickly clog up your gutters.
Gutters are usually located above the reach of small animals, but larger animals can occasionally crawl up and make a nest in the gutter. While this can be unpleasant, it can also be dangerous if the animals are left to breed and remain undetected.
If you believe an animal is nesting in your gutters, contact a professional to remove them. Don’t try to remove the animals yourself, as it can be difficult to get animals out of a gutter. They are also known to bite and often go to extreme lengths to protect their young.
You can also install gutter guards. Gutter guards will keep animals out of your gutters, and they’ll also help to prevent leaves and debris from getting in.
3. Shingle Grit
A common problem with older properties is shingle grit. Grit is often trapped in a shingle roof and can make its way into gutters as the roof leaks. Over time, grit can build up and cause serious blockages.
Grit is a type of sand. As a result, it is hard to remove. However, you can use a specialised tool called a shingle rake to remove the grit. Shingle rakes are commonly used to remove shingles and make the job easier.
4. Ice Dams
Ice dams are another common cause of clogged gutters. Ice dams are presumably recognizable to everyone who lives in a cold region.
Ice dams occur when there’s a significant temperature variation between the roof and the ground. As a result, the ice on the roof slowly melts, and the water is channelled down the roof and into your gutters.
This is a major issue for homeowners since ice dams can cause extensive damage to roofs. The best thing you can do to prevent ice dams is to keep your gutters and downspouts free.
Conclusion
If you want to avoid having your gutters clogged in the future, it’s a good idea to speak to a professional. A professional will be able to identify the problem and come up with a solution that’ll prevent your gutters from getting clogged again.
Contact Yorkshire Pro Window Cleaning if you need qualified gutter cleaning services in Yorkshire. As an established exterior cleaning company, we have a history of implementing cutting-edge procedures. To get started, request a gutter cleaning quote right away.