Everything You Need to Know About Your Home's Gutters

How do gutters work?

Gutters, or eavestroughs as they are sometimes called, are a fixed, metal channel located directly below a home's roof line. They are meant to direct water along their length, through downspouts, and away from the home's foundation. Gutters help prevent basement flooding, soil erosion, water damage to siding, and staining of brick and stonework by directing water away from all of these items. They are essential to the longevity of your home.

Do you need to clean your gutters?

Yes, your home's gutters should be cleaned out regularly. In fact, most homeowners would be surprised at what can be found when cleaning out a home's gutters:

• Bird's nest. If you have ever had to deal with a bird that keeps building its nest in an awkward spot on your home year after year, you know how frustrating it can be. Gutters seem to be a preferred location for many species. Check with your local Department of Natural Resources for your state's rules on its removal. Many states only allow you to remove a nest from your gutters if it is empty.  
• Trees. Acorns, maple 'helicopters', and many other seed pods can easily wind up in your home's gutters. If not removed regularly, they can actually take root and grow into a tree. It can be very damaging to your gutters, soffit, and roof to have this happen.
• Bee's nest. Bees, hornets, and wasps have all been known to build nests in gutters. Not only will this clog your gutters and prevent them from working correctly, but it can also be dangerous to the person cleaning the gutters. Leaves and other debris can hide the nest. Wearing gloves and long sleeves when cleaning gutters is recommended to prevent accidental stings.
• Dead rodents. Mice and other small rodents have been known to use your gutters as their final resting place, which is another reason to wear gloves or, better yet, hire out the gutter cleaning.

How often should you clean your gutters?

While gutters should be cleaned out regularly, exactly how often depends on where in the country you live and how many trees are on your property. Once or twice a year (spring and fall) should be sufficient for most homes, but if you live in a heavily wooded area, your gutters should be cleaned more often. If you neglect to clean the gutters, the debris could block water flow, making the gutters ineffective. Furthermore, in colder climates, this blockage could freeze and cause water and ice to back up into your attic space, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Do gutters have any hidden talents?

Surprisingly, your gutters and the cement splash guards that they empty into have a hidden talent. They know when an asphalt shingle roof is starting to age. Shingles have a gravel coating applied when they are made, which is designed to help protect your home's roof. As those shingles age, the coating washes off and into your gutters and splash guards. When you notice gravel in your gutters, you can call us to take a closer look at your roof.

When do you know you need new gutters?

You can tell when you need new gutters if you notice them separating at the seams, sagging, or otherwise loosely attached to the house. You can also watch them when it is raining. Older gutters that need to be replaced will have holes that water seeps through instead of moving along the channel and away from the house. Gutters that are not working properly can do more harm than good.  

If your home needs gutters or you need to replace your existing gutters, call Ratliff Enterprises for a free estimate.