Sometimes A Clogged Gutter Can Be Easily Cleared With A Few Simple Steps.
Your gutters are a crucial part of your roofing systems and play an important role in carrying water away from the foundation of your home. If they are clogged, water will simply run out of the gutter and begin pooling around your home, potentially causing devastating structural damage.
Ideally, you should inspect your gutters every spring and fall as the seasons change to ensure they are functioning properly. Look for cracks along the pipes of your gutter systems, tearing at the seams, and for peeling and bubbling paint as these can all be signs of problems with your system.
If your gutters become clogged you must clear them or risk water damage to your home and its foundation. Telltale signs that you have a clog are: water spilling over the edges and water not flowing out of the downspouts.
Start by checking the place where the gutter connects to the downspout to see if the downspout cage, a wire strainer designed to catch debris, is in place and remove any debris that might be there. Check the gutter itself for any obvious blockages from leaves or twigs and remove those items.
If the clog appears to be in the downspout it may by in an elbow or seam area. You should be able to tap the downspout with a metal object and if you hear a muffled thud as opposed to a hollow ring, you may have just located the clog. You may need to remove the downspout to work the clog out. If that is the case, be sure to reattach it firmly and securely after you have cleared the blockage.
If all of your DIY efforts fail, it’s time to contact a professional roofing contractor to assess the situation and provide a recommendation for a solution.
