Fall is one of the worst seasons for gutters because the trees and plants shed their leaves, and they can clog the pipes, downspouts, and outlet tubes. Other things can also get stuck in the gutter system. Homeowners must maintain and clean the gutter and hire roofing contractors in Boston for repair and replacement services.
Gutter Issues in Fall Explained by Roofing Contractors in Boston
When you hire roofing contractors for their services, they will provide various services and inform you about the signs and issues that the gutter system will face if proper cleaning and maintenance are not done. You can face the following gutter issues during the fall season.
Falling Leaves and Twigs
During the months of fall, sunlight is scarce, so the process of photosynthesis is slow. This means that plant growth is slower than normal, resulting in leaves and twigs falling. These fallen twigs and leaves will clog the gutter pipes.
The Presence of Bird Nests and Insects Colonies
If the gutter pipes and downspouts are unchecked, animals, birds, and insects can take refuge. You might see twigs gathered in the pipes in the shape of a nest, indicating the presence of birds, insects, and small animals.
Clogged Gutter Pipes
The two points mentioned above are the main causes of gutter clogging. Other than leaves, twigs, and the presence of nests and colonies, the pipes can be blocked by pebbles, dead animals, and insect swarms explained by Boston roofing companies.
Structural Damage to The Gutter System
The gutter can suffer structural damage that includes gutter pipes hanging dangerously, holes and cracks in the gutter, slopping on the wrong side, and the pipes bent miserably. These signs are a strong indication that the gutters are suffering from neglect.
Water Gathered in the Basement
The structural damage will lead to Water leakage of the pipes, outlet tubes, and downspouts. If you notice the presence of water in the basement, some gutter system components must be damaged and leaking.
Moisture on the Ceiling
The roofing contractors in North Shore, MA, will explain that the water has seeped through the roof and into the ceiling. The main indication of water leakage in the ceiling is the appearance of dark patches. When this sign is ignored for a long time, the subsequent damage occurs in the shape of paint peeling off from the walls.
Gutter Pipes are Bending
Homeowners might have noticed that the pipes are bent from one side. The reason is that cleaning and maintenance of the gutter system weren’t done in some time. According to roofing contractors like Melo’s Construction, the weight of the leaves, dead animals, twigs, and nests can be the main cause of the bent pipes.
Boston Roofing Company Suggesting Maintenance Tips
After explaining the reasons for issues with the gutter system during the fall season, the roofing staff will suggest tips to reduce the risk of developing these issues. The important information that homeowners should consider must include the following.
Arranging Safety Equipment
When homeowners are maintaining and cleaning the gutter system, they should wear safety equipment, which includes strong rubber gloves, safety goggles, face masks, and work boots. They must also ensure that the ladder and safety harness is of the best quality to prevent falling.
Comprehensive Cleaning of the Gutter Pipes
Routine cleaning of the gutter pipes should be done at least every month. But comprehensive cleaning of the gutter system must be done quarterly. The debris should be removed with hands, and a powerful hose should clear away the tiny particles.
Trimming the Overgrown Trees
Trimming the trees and plants should be in the routine cleaning. The pruning should be done at the beginning of the spring and fall seasons.
Hire Roof Repairs in North Shore
The roofing contractors will provide different roofing services, including inspection, maintenance, repairs, and replacement. It will be in the best interest of the homeowners to hire a Boston roofing company because they have a well-trained staff and the best equipment to maintain the gutter system perfectly.
Install Gutter Covers
The best tip that roofing contractors in Boston will suggest is to cover the gutter pipes with a net covering to prevent twigs, leaves, and other debris from reaching the pipes.
Homeowners should follow these gutter maintenance tips to stay safe during the fall season.
Here are three questions to better understand gutter cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to clean gutters?
According to roofing contractors in Boston, comprehensive gutter cleaning should be done at least twice a year, during the spring and fall.
Is it too late to clean gutters?
When the gutter system components don’t work properly after maintenance and repairs, then it means that it is too late for cleaning, and replacement is the only solution.
What is the lifespan of a gutter?
The average lifespan of a gutter system is between twenty to fifty years.
Read also more information