Importance of Cleaning the Gutters

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

The building up of ice can create an unsafe amount of weight in the gutters.

Temperatures are starting to drop overnight and we know what that means; frost and ice. Iowa has received quite a bit of rain lately, and as it gets colder outside, we’re less likely to check our gutters and make sure they are clear and free of leaf build-up.

Clearing out gutters ensures that water flows freely to the spout and down. Be sure there is a spout leading away from the home about three feet or more. If the water pools down the soil around the foundation, that can lead to pressure on the foundation and over time, could cause a crack. Also, if the gutters are full, water will run over the edge of the gutter and pool near the foundation resulting in the same potential issue.

Water that sits in the gutter because it’s clogged can also freeze and put unnecessary weight on the gutter. Yes, they do hold up more often than not, but in some cases, the soffit or wood can break down causing further damage.

If for any reason you would like more reinforcement, it never hurts to lay soil around the foundation at an incline to help any water runoff away from the home. 

If anything was to happen you can trust SERVPRO to help realize any of your winter stress.