Gutters are a crucial component of your roof. The channels direct water away from your home and preserving the foundation. When the trays are filled with leaves, twigs, acorns, bird nests, and other debris, heavy spring rainfall can splash over the sides and cause siding damage, while winter ice dams can force water underneath the roofing shingles. Below are a few reasons to clean your gutters at least twice a year and schedule repairs if you notice any signs of damage.

Why Cleaning Your Gutters Is Important

1. Preserves Home Siding

When gutters are clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris, water will have nowhere to go but over the side. Rainwater cascading down the exterior of a home can eventually stain the siding, making the property look dingy and unattractive. This can negatively affect your curb appeal and make it difficult to sell your home if you decide to move.

Water damage can also cause rot that can warp the boards and lead to serious leaks. Fixing these issues can be costly. Keeping your gutters clear reduces the risk to your siding and saves you money on unexpected repairs and replacements.

2. Protects the Foundation

The primary purpose of rain gutters is to keep water from pooling against the foundation of the home. Liquid that’s allowed to collect along the bases of the walls will saturate the soil and find its way into your house through cracks in the concrete. Over time, the trickle of water can cause serious damage, expanding foundation cracks and costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. 

Consistent moisture exposure also leads to mold and mildew growth that can be hazardous to your family's health. Remediation efforts may be necessary, depending on the extent of the problem.

3. Prevents Ice Dams

Failing to clean your gutters all year can be problematic when fall comes to an end and colder weather makes an appearance. Overflowing channels allow water to pool on your roof, which can be dangerous in the winter. Melting snow that gathers on the roof refreezes when temperatures drop, forming an ice dam that traps more runoff. When this pool of liquid freezes, the expanding ice forces itself underneath the shingles. As it melts, water trickles down the sides of your home and seeps into the materials, rotting wood and ruining insulation.

If you’re dealing with corroded gutters or a damaged roof, reach out to the professionals at JAM Roofing in Aurora, CO. Their roof repair technicians have been serving homes and businesses throughout the Metro-Denver area since 1991. They know what it takes to protect your property from the dangers of Colorado winters. Visit their website for more on their roof repair services, and call (303) 364-1773 to schedule an inspection.