Your home's gutters play a crucial role in safeguarding your property from water damage by directing water away from the foundation. However, when leaves and debris accumulate in your gutters, they can obstruct the flow of water, rendering them ineffective. Many homeowners turn to gutter guards in hopes of preventing debris buildup. Yet, the reality is that most gutter guard products fail to deliver on their promise of eliminating the need for gutter cleaning, often resulting in unexpected costs.
So, what exactly is a gutter guard? It's a protective system designed to cover your gutters and prevent debris from entering. While these guards may reduce the influx of leaves and debris, they're not foolproof. Over time, debris can still accumulate, leading to clogged gutters. When this occurs, rainwater is unable to flow through the gutters and downspouts, posing a risk of water backing up under roof eaves and into your home's foundation. This can result in extensive water damage, including rotting wood and mold growth, and in severe cases, structural damage and health issues.
Despite being marketed as a solution to clogged gutters, gutter guards come with their own set of problems. They often fail to provide complete protection from debris, necessitating regular cleaning to remove accumulated debris. Additionally, the presence of gutter guards can detract from the appearance of your home, as debris may accumulate on top of the guard, giving your home a worn-down look.
Moreover, certain types of gutter guards can even void your roof's warranty if installed improperly. Guards attached to roof shingles with nails or other hardware may compromise the integrity of your roof, leaving you liable for any resulting damages.
But how often do gutters actually need to be cleaned? Despite the presence of gutter guards, regular cleaning remains essential. Typically, gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, or more frequently if your home is surrounded by trees. Pine trees, in particular, are notorious for shedding large quantities of needles, necessitating more frequent cleaning.
So, when is the best time to schedule gutter cleanings? Ideally, gutter cleaning should be done every spring and autumn. Spring cleanings rid gutters of debris accumulated during winter storms, while autumn cleanings remove leaves and debris from summer storms. For homes with heavy foliage, seasonal cleanings up to four times a year may be necessary.
For homeowners seeking a solution to maintain clear gutters without compromising their roof's warranty, Flowmate is a go-to. By allowing gutters to flow freely while capturing leaves and debris, Flowmate reduces the frequency of gutter cleanings without jeopardizing your roof's warranty. Pairing Flowmate with annual or biannual gutter cleanings ensures that your gutters remain debris-free and your home's structure stays protected.