As autumn approaches, it’s a good idea to watch for signs of debris buildup that could cause blockages. Here are some things to look out for:
Overflowing Gutters or increased Debris – Autumn’s falling leaves can accumulate quickly in gutters and valleys on the roof, especially if there are overhanging trees. If you’re noticing overflowing gutters during heavy or even light downpours of rain it could be due to debris build up blocking the water flow. Autumn’s wet and windy conditions often lead to significant debris buildup and gutter blockages.
Standing Water – Or water pooling in gutters or along roof edges after rainfall, is a clear sign that your gutter system isn’t draining properly. This is often caused by blockages from leaves, twigs, dirt, and even grass or weed growth, especially if gutters haven’t been cleaned in a while.
Major risks of debris buildup if left unattended – Leaving debris and leaves to build up in your gutters can lead to leaks inside the home. When it rains, the water from your roof feeds into your gutters, to the downpipes and down to your drains. Water cannot flow freely or in some cases, cannot flow at all with a build up of leaves and debris in the gutter. The water needs to go somewhere, so it flows over the front and back of the gutter. Water flowing over the back of the gutter ends up inside the soffits and inside your ceiling.
Another risk of debris buildup in gutters is rust and corrosion – For homes with steel gutters or steel roofing material, standing water accelerates rusting, particularly at the gutter seams or the edges of steel roofing sheets. When leaves are left to accumulate and rot, the trapped moisture can sit on the edges of roofing materials, causing steel roofing sheets or tiles, including Decramastic tiles, to rust.
Gutter sagging or damage: Water is heavy. If it pools and sits for long periods, it can cause gutters to sag, pull away from the fascia, or even collapse.
To avoid the risks associated with clogged gutters and valleys and standing water, we recommend scheduling regular professional gutter cleaning and clearing. Trained experts have the tools and experience to safely remove stubborn debris, identify potential problems early, and ensure your gutters and downpipes are functioning as they should.
Whether it’s part of seasonal maintenance or after a heavy storm, having your gutters professionally cleaned is a small investment that can save you from much larger repair costs down the line.