Professional Roofing Company
Email: info@pcsroofing.com
Professional Roofing Company
PCS Roofing urges homeowners to be aware of the importance of properly maintainingtheir home’s roof, prolonging its life, and preserving your valuable investment.
While no homeowner looks forward to cleaning out their home’s gutters, it’s important to understand why this is a necessary task. Depending on your home’s lot, you should schedule at least 2 gutter cleanings a year, one in late spring and the other in late summer or early fall. If you have large trees (I.e. pine, oak) you may need to clean after a windy storm.
Home gutters primary purpose is to divert water from your roof to an area away from the building that offers good drainage. Over time gutters will get clogged from shingle debris, pine straw, leaves and other debris. This debris will prevent the normal flow of water through the gutter and drain system to a drainage area. The result will be water collecting in the gutters and overflowing on to the building and foundation. This can eventually lead to erosion of the soil around the foundation leading to foundation cracks. Overflow of water from your gutters to the wood fascia and soffit boards will lead to wood rot. This wood rot can spread to adjacent areas such as an attic, allowing an easy entry for pests and rodents. It may also allow your gutters to collapse or come loose from your home.
Leaving your gutters unattended can lead to unnecessary and expensive repairs. Water build up in gutters can lead to roof leaks that can penetrate the walls of your home. The moist environment is a desirable habitat for most insects. As the weather changes this may lead to insects migrating to the inside of your home. In the case of termites and carpenter ants, both wood eating insects that love a moist habitat, infestations can cost thousands to eliminate and repair damage.
If you decide to clean your gutters yourself, make sure you have a reliable extension ladder. Wear long sleeves and a good pair of gloves. Use a trowel or scooper to remove the debris and place it in a plastic bag or drop to a tarp on the ground. While cleaning your gutters you should also inspect the condition of the fascia and soffit for any signs of wood rot. It’s best to deal with the problem up front as putting it off may just create more costly repairs. After cleaning the debris from the gutters, use a garden hose to flush out any remaining debris and insure that your down spouts are functioning properly.As with any home project, especially one that involves being high on a ladder, use caution and follow safety procedures. If you are unsure or not capable of handling the job yourself, it’s best to hire a professional. It’s a worthwhile expenditure that can save you thousands in the long run if neglected. Contact your professional roofing company for more information.
