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Do I Really Need a Clean Gutter

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Written By: Nick Romano

October 1, 2022

Importance of a Clean Gutter

Keeping track of your gutter and roof health is essential to house maintenance. Inspections, gutter repairs, and maintenance will guarantee that your home is weathertight on the outside while preventing potential interior damage. It is essential to maintain a clean gutter on your building.

Gutters might be hidden, but they should never go unnoticed. Read our comprehensive guide to everything gutters if you want to learn more!

What is meant by gutter cleaning?

Gutters are designed to safely remove rainfall from houses and whisk it away into the drainage system. Gutters and roofs are not intended to endure extended periods withstanding standing water. Clogged gutters caused by a debris buildup can impede efficient rainwater drainage and result in long-term property damage.

before and after gutter cleaning water, leaves and mold in Little Silver, NJbefore and after of power washing and gutter cleaning overgrown leaves in Monmouth Beach, NJ

Gutter cleaning is the action of removing debris from the gutters to allow water to flow freely into the down pipe. Your local cleaning company may use a wet solid and dry gutter cleaning vacuum to unclog gutters and down pipes with incredible suction power and airflow. High-reach carbon fiber suction poles give easy gutter access from the ground with no risk of entanglement.

Are your gutters blocked? Check why

Blockages result from various fallen debris, including leaves, twigs, moss, and tile sediment. Leaves and moss will decompose into fertile peat over time, providing a pleasant compost for airborne seeds and spores. With the right growing conditions – ample rainfall and periods of sunshine, before you know it, your down pipe is clogged with deep-rooted weeds.

And yes, there’s that roof moss to consider, as if high-level weeding wasn’t tricky enough.

Moss growing on the roof

Moss, lichen, and algae thrive in damp, dark, and shaded places throughout New Jersey because of the country’s inclement weather. Overhanging branches shaded north-facing roofs, and chimney stacks keep the sun from drying out the frequent rain, allowing moss to grow.

Roof tiles, in addition to being a powerful heat shield, allow water droplets to stick. Moss thrives on these moisture-collecting surfaces because they provide an ideal place for it to grow. That moss spore grows and covers the edge of the tile’s lip; unchecked, it keeps growing like a sponge. Moss acts as a sponge, absorbing and retaining water and preventing tiles from drying out.

moss on roof

Moss damages your roof tiles

When it’s cold, the water that has frozen and thawed expands and contracts, chipping and shattering tiles. Raised tiles allow rainwater to seep into the roof structure, potentially causing damp, mildew conditions in your roof timbers.

Don’t forget the birds! Insects adore moss, which attracts voracious birds looking for a free meal and a safe place to nest. The aggressive food gathering of these ants loosens or disables the moss particles, causing them to fall down the roof into the gutter or onto the street below.

During heavy rainstorms, loose moss is carried away and combined with the water, causing “gutter waterfalls.”

Blocked gutters cause serious property damage

A clean gutter and roof will remove water without causing any damage. Rainwater trapped beneath the roofing membrane provides nutritious food for airborne grass seeds and causes your high-level gutter garden, forcing water to spill over the edges and causing fascia boards to decay.

Rainwater that seeps into buildings can cause mold spores to germinate on internal walls, insulation, windows, and ceilings. Property foundations can be damaged in the most challenging situations, as trapped water (which should be flowing into the drains) pools around the structure.

Gutters that are free-flowing, whether they are cast iron, pressed steel box gutters, or PVC types, are an essential aspect of house upkeep.

6 reasons to clean your gutters

Check out this previous article covering the Top 6 Reasons to Clean Your Gutters. 

How can I check if my gutters are clogged or not?

When obvious blocks are found, you will notice tell-tale plant growth peeking over the top of your gutters, and rainwater spilling over the gutter edges clearly indicates an overhead problem. Look for any of the following: dripping, sagging, or an accumulation of algae in any of the joints or around the building’s sides. Make a point of looking up down next time you’re out and about instead of only down at your driveway.

And those unsightly moss crumbs that fall onto the patio and driveway are also being sent straight into the gutters. Gutter cleaners will utilize a high access inspection camera connected to a telescopic pole for ladder-less inspections. The camera monitor lets you see everything from the ground, rushing and with ease. So, give your local professional a call to ensure that your gutters are in good shape.

Do I need a professional for a clean gutter?

Leave the ladders in the garage and get your gutters cleaned by a local New Jersey gutter cleaning company! They may inspect and clean your gutters from a safe distance using specialist tools. Their gutter vacs have revolutionized gutter clearance, allowing you to clear them in a single day.

The lightweight carbon fiber suction poles can reach high gutters up to four stories tall and over obstacles such as conservatories, garages, and porches. The gutter vacuums have been developed to endure the demands of gutter cleaning and can clean property in no time. The biggest advantage is preventing a mess because all debris collects in the drum. In addition, you do not need a ladder!

If you’ve never seen a gutter cleaning before, you should check YouTube for an experience with the incredible suction power these powerful motors can create.

So, if your gutters require cleaning, pick up the phone and call a New Jersey gutter cleaning business!

When I need gutter cleaning? How often?

We usually propose spring and fall for gutter clearance, which is highly dependent on the property.

Spring: The ideal time to get your gutters and drainage system serviced is during the spring, when grass seeds begin to sprout in any residual gutter debris clogging the pipes.

Autumn: In Autumn, stay on top of those falling leaves, as well as moss and twigs, carried down by the autumnal rains. It also shields gutters throughout the winter, since standing water can freeze and thaw, causing joints to fracture and leak.

However, if your roof is plagued with overhanging branches, has aggressive wall climbing plants, or has a north-facing roof that accumulates moss, it is critical to perform regular inspections. It’s crucial to check after harsh weather or strong winds, since more prominent pieces of debris might become trapped and cause gutter obstruction.

Is it easy to check my gutters?

Gutter cleaning professionals will employ a high access inspection camera with a telescopic pole for ladder-less inspections. The camera screen allows for quick and easy viewing from the ground and eyes in and out. So, contact your local New Jersey gutter cleaning company immediately to be confident in your gutter’s health.

 

Should i buy gutter guards, clogged, don't believe the hype

We often get asked about gutter guards. If you are interested check out this previous article that answers all the questions related to Should I Buy Gutter Guards?

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