Gutters are an essential part of a roofing system. They collect runoff from the roof and safely disperse it away from the structure through downspouts. Without gutters, water would fall from the roof too close to the home’s foundation. Erosion of the soil against the foundation would occur. Cracks could appear on the compromised foundation, and water may enter the basement. Any plants around the home could be drowned from too much water or damaged from the soil being washed away from around them. Siding and trim around windows and exterior doors could become damaged. Water could eventually enter the interior of your home, causing damage to walls and ceilings. Mold and mildew could form in hidden locations, and spores could be spread by the heating and cooling system to establish new colonies throughout the home. A home is much more likely to experience water damage without gutters and require some emergency roof repair. However, clogged gutters can be as bad as having no gutters at all.
Austin Homeowners – Don’t Forget About Gutter Cleaning!
What If My Home Does Not Have Gutters?
If your home has no gutters, you could be placing the structural integrity of your home at risk. If you decide that you want a gutter system, you might want to consider consulting a professional roofing contractor. Proper gutter installation requires a careful evaluation of numerous factors. A professional’s knowledge and experience will ensure that you receive the gutter system necessary to protect your home for many years and with minimal problems.
How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?
Your gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year. The best times of the year to perform a thorough cleaning will be in the fall and spring. If you have many trees or other types of significant vegetation near your home, you may need to inspect your gutters more often and clean them more frequently. Windy conditions can cause dirt and debris to blow into your gutters, and this may also create the need for more frequent cleanings.
Fall Cleaning
Fall cleaning of your home’s gutters is best performed after most of the leaves have fallen from nearby trees. Leaves and other debris can also be picked up by winds and carried for a long distance before being deposited into your gutters. Fall cleaning is vital to prepare your gutters for any adverse winter weather. Snow and ice may be rare in Central Texas, but just one occurrence can have devastating results.
Spring Cleaning
Spring weather often brings more frequent rainstorms. You will want to be prepared for heavy rains by making sure your gutters are very clean. Trees will be releasing their seeds into the wind, and seed pods from maple trees and other plants that produce encapsulated seeds can fill a gutter quickly. Small branches and twigs that did not survive the winter may also find their way into your gutter.
What If I Cannot Clean My Gutters?
Many people are often just too busy to find the time to clean their gutters. Maybe you do not feel safe on a ladder or are not in a physical condition to perform the job. Regardless of the reason, you may find it necessary to hire someone to complete the job. Many roofing companies offer gutter cleaning services. You may also consider purchasing a maintenance plan that includes an option to add gutter cleanings. Some ideas include periodic inspections and repairs, including gutter repair, to keep your roof in top condition. Plans are very affordable and can save you money in the long run.
What Services Are Offered by Alpha Roofing?
Alpha is the roof contractor Austin TX homeowners trust for roof replacements, repairs, roof inspections, and maintenance programs. Whether you need us to install asphalt shingles, a skylight, a flat roof, flashing, or a metal roof, we can help. We also repair flashing and chimneys, and we offer emergency roof repairs. We are known for our professionalism and integrity, our high-quality work, and our commitment to customer satisfaction. You can obtain a no-obligation quote for free by filling out the online request form or calling 512-777-1086.