Basement leaks and water damage can be due to a multitude of different occurrences, but don’t let clogged gutters be one of them. Making sure your gutters are clean and free of debris can save your wallet a lot of money in the long run. With fall season in full swing, the Michigan leaves are flowing off the trees and into our yards and homes. Here a few things to consider once the season starts winding down, and winter approaches.
Keeping gutters clean is one of the simplest ways homeowners can help protect their basement and foundation from excess moisture problems. Gutters are designed to collect rainwater from the roof and direct it safely away from the home, but when leaves, dirt, and debris build up, water can overflow and collect around the foundation instead. Over time, this excess moisture may contribute to basement leaks, foundation cracks, mold growth, and soil erosion around the property. Regular gutter maintenance helps reduce these risks while improving overall drainage performance around the home.
Many homeowners do not realize that clogged downspouts can create just as many problems as blocked gutters. When water cannot move freely through the system, it may back up onto the roofline or spill directly against the siding and foundation walls. This added moisture can increase hydrostatic pressure around the basement, especially during heavy rainstorms or periods of snow melt. Extending downspouts away from the house and inspecting them for clogs can help improve drainage and reduce the chances of water intrusion.
Routine gutter inspections are especially important during the fall and spring seasons when leaves, sticks, and storm debris are most common. Homeowners should also look for sagging gutters, loose fasteners, standing water, or leaks along the seams that may prevent proper water flow. In some cases, gutter guards may help reduce debris buildup and lower maintenance needs throughout the year.
While cleaning gutters is an important part of exterior home maintenance, it should also be combined with proper grading, waterproofing solutions, and foundation drainage systems for the best long-term protection against basement moisture issues.
Why do you need to clean your gutters?
Cleaning your gutters helps protect your home from the damages that rain, snow, and ice can bring upon. When your gutters are clogged with debris, they will not function properly, potentially resulting in flooding inside your home. Why? Because the excess amount of rainwater falling from the gutters will have no where to go, and instead of moving away from the edge of your home, it’ll fall straight down.
Likewise, in the winter, clogged gutters can create dangerous ice dams around your home. These icy areas can eventually rip the gutters off your home, costing you more money in the long run, by having to replace them.
When should you clean your gutters?
It is recommended that gutters are cleaned twice a year, but potentially should be checked more often in case of harsh weather conditions, if they need additional cleaning. The best time to clean your gutters is during the spring and fall seasons.
As winter starts approaching, it is time to take extra caution with your gutters. When excessive amounts of snow pile up on your roof, ice dams can start to form around your gutters, causing serious damage. These dams need to be removed as soon as possible, in order to keep your gutters intact.
How do I clean my gutters?
We recommend hiring professionals to tackle your gutters, but if you feel safe on a ladder, here are a few things to have handy when cleaning:
- Ladder – To access the gutters
- Gloves – To safely remove debris
- Safety Goggles – To safely protect yourself from flying elements
- Face Mask – To ensure that dust is not flowing into your lungs
- Trowel – To remove the debris from the gutters
Safely and slowly start to remove the debris from your gutters, carefully looking over every spot to make sure nothing is left behind. Once you have removed all of the debris, run a hose through the gutters to make them extra clean.