All kinds of debris fall to Washington roofs all the time, which is why routine gutter cleaning in Seattle is standard practice. Although you can rely on professionals to remove every blockage in your gutters and downspouts, they can become clogged in between checkups.
Fortunately, you can do your partner to lessen the maintenance needs of your gutters and to protect the structural integrity of your house overall. Here are tips that you should follow to achieve this goal:
Upgrade to Seamless Gutters
If you still have sectional gutters, strongly consider going seamless. Unlike their traditional counterparts, seamless gutters are mostly unmarred metal with no ridges along the bottom. They trap tiny pieces of debris and back up small amounts of water.
Trim Trees Within a 10-foot Radius
The primary source of debris that gets into your gutters and downspouts is the tall deciduous trees in your yard. They shed their leaves seasonally, dumping dead foliage to your roof’s drainage system.
To minimize the amount of organic debris your gutters may catch, cut the overhanging branches of the nearby trees. The closest limbs to your roof should be at least 10 feet away.
Furthermore, critters can take shelter in your gutters. Birds’ nests make major blockages the effectively impede the flow of water.
Watch Out for Balding Shingles
Shingle granules do not frequently clog gutters and downspouts, but they can do so when they accumulate enough to form an obstruction. Typically, asphalt shingles shed their excess granules shortly after installation. And as time goes by, roofing materials become thinner on the top due to deterioration.
Shingle balding is bad news, but the upside is that you can identify them soon with vigilance. With occasional cursory evaluation, you can spot the affected shingles, and replace them with new pieces accordingly.
Do Not Let Silt Sit
Dust from the road can end up in the gutters via air to form silt. It is not an imminent threat on itself, but it can create a fertile ground for plant growth when enough moisture accumulates in it. If the layer of soil in your gutter system stays unchecked, you might find young living plants sticking out of your gutters one day.
Look for Missing Toys
When your kids usually play catch in your yard, there is a good chance that some of their balls can get stuck in your gutters and downspouts. The worst part is that your little ones do not tell you about them.
If they ask you to buy them new toys, mull where their old ones went. If you can’t find them anywhere in the house, they are probably lodged in the gutters.
Invest in Gutter Protection
Covered gutters and downspouts can repel debris of all sizes while accommodating large amounts of water. Gutter guards do not eliminate maintenance, but they do minimize upkeep effectively.
Gutter clogging can damage not only your roof but also your siding, foundations, and landscaping. Make every effort to keep it from happening and to avoid costly, unscheduled home repair projects.
