A good gutter system is essential for roof drainage as they divert runoff from your roof to the ground, preventing the water from seeping into your home’s sidings and foundation. Over time, however, gutters become clogged with dried leaves, twigs, and other debris, thereby resulting in poor drainage that can pave the way for leaks and water damage. Moreover, these clogged gutters can also serve as a breeding ground for mold and destructive insects or pests.
It is important to keep gutters in good working condition and free from debris, particularly in spring and autumn when rains and falling leaves are usual occurrences. Now, the question running in your mind could be: how often should gutter maintenance and cleaning be done? An article from Angie’s List explains that it depends on where you live, and the number of trees present in your yard. Some contractors recommend that it should be done every four months; furthermore, it should be done by professional roofers in Maryland such as those from Blair Construction L.L.C. to ensure that gutters are completely cleared and that the downspouts are free of debris as well.
Experts also suggest that homeowners buy gutter covers and leaf guards for additional protection. They cannot keep gutters 100% free of debris, but they can at least reduce the need for gutter maintenance. In fact, for gutters with covers or screens, you may only need to worry about maintenance tasks every one to three years.
Angie’s List reports that homeowners who climb their own roofs to clean their gutters may be prone to accidents, especially if the person has no experience; hence, it’s best to hire reliable roofing contractors to conduct gutter cleaning and maintenance, as well as the necessary gutter repair in Maryland:
During a cleaning, a professional should remove of all debris from the roof, gutters and downspouts, while checking and repairing any loose gutter spikes. The cost of gutter cleaning ranges from $75 to $225 for an average home, depending on the length of gutters, height of the home and scope of work. Most companies charge a flat fee per foot of gutter, but the cost can go up depending on the complexity of the work.
Clean and protect your gutters as soon as possible, because the damaging and costly consequences of poorly maintained gutters are harder to deal with than regular maintenance tasks.