Cleaning the Gutters in Your Home Can Prevent Water Damage

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Prevent Water Damage in with Fall Gutter Maintenance 

Although we are used to the weather extremes in Minneapolis, our swings from summer’s hot and humid feel to the “Polar Vortex” in deep winter can be hard on our home’s systems and structure. Now that fall is firmly ensconced, and winter is on the way, make time to inspect your roof and its drainage configuration. Once winter’s frigid temperatures take hold, it is too late to prevent problems easily. 

Why the Focus on Gutters and Drains? 

Water damage in is not limited to the aftermath of burst pipes, appliance malfunctions, and severe storms. During the quiet and coziness of a gentle snowfall, your roof and the structural components of the upper levels of your home can be under attack. If ice dams form near the eaves and roof edges of your house, water can seep inside. You risk ice dam complications when warm air escapes at the joints between exterior walls and the roof, melting snow that deposits into the gutters. If your home's gutters experience clogging with leaves and debris, the water collects. Poorly attached or missing downspouts exacerbate the situation, and improperly canted gutters prevent drainage as well.  

Slow, Steady, and Nearly Invisible Damage 

The cycle of snow melting and freezing into ice dams eventually force moisture into your attic or highest level. Wood framing and insulation absorb the water, increasing the probability of mold growth and deterioration of the building materials. Throughout the winter, the water can migrate down and between the walls into living areas. Drywall or lath and plaster construction both experience significant damage over time. The smell of rapidly multiplying mold colonies or staining might be your first signal that months of substantial destruction have occurred without fanfare. 

Maintenance Is the Key to Ice Dam Prevention 

Cleaning gutters and securing downspouts is an autumn task that repays you many times over when the snow flies. A bonus is that a well-maintained gutter system also helps preserve the integrity of your home during spring showers and summer’s severe weather. Ensuring that the water running off the roof is far from your foundation prevents flooding and damage to exterior building materials. Sealing eaves and upgrading insulation also helps interrupt the melting and freezing cycle at the edge of your roof. 

SERVPRO of Woodbury/Deptford is your partner if poorly draining gutters and downspouts cause water to head into your abode any time of the year. Contact us year-round at (856) 686-0100 for help with migrating water damage.