Look at your home as a whole system, and think about minor things that can affect different parts of your home. For instance, did you know that leaves left in gutters can eventually damage your roof? Read this guide for more information and to learn about the best prevention methods.
How Leaves in Gutters Damage Your Roof
Though clogged gutters can create problems like stained woodwork and foundation deterioration, leaves trapped in your gutters can damage your roof. Frozen wet leaves will act as an ice dam, causing rainwater to back up in the system. And when water backs up, it will push up underneath your shingles. Eventually, this results in damage to your roof deck.
Once roof damage happens, not only will you need to pay for expensive repairs, but it can cause water to seep into your home and allow mold, mildew, and bacteria to spread in your attic and walls.
The Best Prevention Methods
There are different methods to prevent leaves from piling up, but these are the best two:
- Frequently cleaning your gutters is an effective method that prevents trapped leaves from staying in your gutter system. If you live near a lot of foliage, you should clean your gutters once every three months or any time you notice an excessive number of leaves on your roof.
- Gutter leaf protection systems are one of the best prevention methods because they shield your gutters from large debris (like leaves). Leaf protection systems will also reduce the number of times you will need to clean your gutters throughout the year.
Don’t Let Clogged Gutters Affect Your Home
Given that leaves left in gutters can eventually damage your roof, you must take the appropriate steps to prevent this from happening. Fortunately, Gutter Maid is a top-quality gutter cleaning and repair service that can benefit your home year-round. From residential cleaning to leaf protection installation, we provide excellent service for homes in the Maryland and Virginia area. For more information on how often your gutters should be cleaned, please click here. If you’re interested in our services, contact us today!