New England Weather in the Gutter

The Old Farmers Almanac predicts a long cold winter and the storm this past weekend was a gentle reminder that the old man is at our doorstep. This means that it’s time to clean your gutters.

Gutters clogged with leaves and debris can create a multiple of problems:

1. Water damage: A clear gutter will direct water away from your home but a clogged gutter with allow water to collect and seep into the foundation and your basement.
   Loosened gutters: The weight of weight twigs and leaves can cause gutters to detach from your home.
2. Ice dams: We live in an area where homes are susceptible to ice dams. An ice dams forms when water spills over the edge of a clogged gutter and freezes forcing an flowing water to redirect into your home rather than down the gutter. Ice dams can do a lot of damage and the repairs can be costly.
3. Rodents: Clogged gutters can be an inviting nesting place for rodents. If these animals are living in your gutters there is a higher chance that they could find their way into your home.
   The most cost effective solution is to clean your gutters regularly.

How often should gutters be cleaned?

We recommend that homeowners clean their gutters at least twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. It is also a good idea to monitor them after extreme weather.