Your home’s drainage system, including the gutters and downspouts, are one of the most important features of your home. Without a properly functioning gutter system, your home would be at risk for significant water damage. During rainstorms or after the snow melts, the roof of your home will need to shed off several hundred gallons of water and the gutters are the main source for channeling the runoff safely away from your home. A properly functioning gutter system isn’t only important for preventing damage to the roof, but to the foundation and everything in between as well. One of the most important things you can do to ensure your home’s gutter system is functioning like it’s supposed to, is to keep the gutters and downspouts clean. Here are just a few of reasons why clean gutters are essential for the health of your home.

Ice Dams

If winter arrives before the gutters have been cleaned, it can lead to ice dams. An ice dam occurs because as the snow melts, it runs off into the gutters, but if the gutters are clogged, the water has nowhere to go, so it refreezes in the gutters, creating a dam. As the water continues to run off of the roof and into the gutter, it’s unable to drain, so it will begin to back up and/or flow over the gutter. If the water backs up onto the roof, it can cause significant damage to the roofing system, resulting in leaks and if it flows over the edge of the gutter, it will go directly into the foundation of your home. The best way to prevent the risk of ice dams and the damage they cause is to contact Bucks County roofers to ensure the gutters and downspouts are cleaned each fall.

Algae Growth

One of the most common problems that Bucks County roofers encounter as a result of clogged gutters is the growth of algae, moss and mildew on the roofing system. When gutters are clogged it causes the water and moisture to become trapped, encourage the growth of bacteria and other micro-organisms. Not does the growth of algae, moss and mildew create an unattractive look to your home, but they can also cause significant damage to the structure of your home.

Prevents Insect Infestations

An accumulation of water in one area for a long period of time encourages insects, especially mosquitoes, to take up residence in the area. A gutter system with stagnant water is a haven for mosquitoes and other insects to breed and before you know it, the exterior as well as the interior of your home may be infested with insects. The best way to prevent an insect infestation is to hire Bucks County roofers to clean the leaves, tree branches and other debris from the gutters on a regular basis.

Ice Dams

Algae Growth

One of the most common problems that Bucks County roofers encounter as a result of clogged gutters is the growth of algae, moss and mildew on the roofing system. When gutters are clogged it causes the water and moisture to become trapped, encourage the growth of bacteria and other micro-organisms. Not does the growth of algae, moss and mildew create an unattractive look to your home, but they can also cause significant damage to the structure of your home.

Prevents Insect Infestations

Cleaning the gutters isn’t typically a pleasant task, but it is an essential task. If you are uncomfortable with heights or climbing a ladder to clean to the gutters, you’re not alone. In fact, most people that aren’t familiar with working n this type of environment feel the same way. Falls from roofs and ladders are actually one of the most common types of injuries that occur around the home. For your safety, it is best to hire a professional, such as Bucks County roofers to inspect the roof and clean the gutters to prevent the risk of an injury and to insure your home is protected against potential damage from clogged gutters.