Water damage, Ice Dams and Gutter Cleaning ?????

5/18/2016 (Permalink)

Cleaning your gutters helps prevent water damage

Water damage,  ice dams, leaking roofs, and insect and animal infestations, and mold.. you may be wondering  why we are talking about ice dams, water damage, and such  in the spring, Well let me explain. Most ice dams are caused by issues with the roof, ventilation and insulation issues. That being said making sure that the water stays away from the wrong areas of your home is pivotal. 

Gutters that are free and clear of debris will do just that. When there is debris in the spring summer and fall sure the water will back up and many times overflow and follow the path  of least resistance. When there is no freezing going on. It can push up onto the roof overflow the gutter and spill down the side of the home and along the edges of the house.  A gutter that is full of debris can make a great home for rodents and insects. Now you may be thinking no big deal.  Let us look at that a bit more. 

We live in New England and freezing temperatures and melting ice and snow are inevitable.  With that comes the problems. Ice and snow melt and too follow the path of least resistance. This becomes especially problematic when it moves further away from the heat source and refreezes. Because when it gets under shingles, in-between the framing, and in any crevice that it wants it enlarges and can create holes.  These holes will allow more heat to escape and a larger path for the water to travel through.  The warmth from the hole will attract the insects and animals that are living in you gutter and can become large enough for them to enter. If it is not the may be willing to make it larger.  As you can see an endless cycle.

Having your gutters cleaned regularly in the spring and again in the fall after the leaves have fallen will make sure water has a clear safe place to travel. While this may not prevent every ice dam from forming it will certainly help keep water where it should be.  Prevention is the far less costly than repairs.

Should you notice any funny odors, holes, or bee hives on an edging of your home call a professional to have it inspected so that you can fix the problem before it gets worse.