FALL TO DO LIST: Help Your Roof System Work and Clean Your Eaves Troughs!

​Eaves troughs are an important part of your roofing system that keep water away from your home.

Water is the enemy of your home. Damp wood can lead to rot or mold. Also, it can create a softened area for wildlife to gain entry.
Before the snow starts to fly it is a good idea to do some maintenance to the eaves troughs around your home. I am talking about a thorough cleaning.  Here is why it is so important:

Clogged troughs can lead to water damage
Fallen leaves and sticks can stop the flow of water through the gutter. On most homes there are several eaves leading to a downspout. Water needs to get to the downspout so it can run off the roof. This is especially important before winter. Fall maintenance is crucial to water flow after ice and snow melts.

Water sitting in the eaves trough can soften roof materials. Wood or shingles can become fragile and easy to damage. Pests like a raccoon or squirrel can make simple work of a water damaged roof. They’ll gain entrance to your home and make dens in your attics or walls.

Freezing water will overload the trough and cause it to warp.
Ice can not only warp the gutter, it also puts a lot of strain on the gutter itself. Water is heavy. After months of sitting frozen it can begin to pull away from the home. This can expose wood and other openings for pests. Also, it can lead to expensive roof repair.

Sticks and leaves commonly block gutters
Most of the time squirrels, raccoons and mice use leaves, twigs and grass to make dens or nests. These are commonly found in your gutters during fall. Blocked gutters will attract critters to your roof because all of the necessary nesting materials are found in one place. While they’re crawling through your gutter they can easily find entry points made by the water damage of your home.

Adding a wire screen on top of the eaves trough can reduce blockage.
Installing a screen that fits over your gutter can help keep debris from getting stuck. It lessens the amount of maintenance. It’s easier to clear off the top rather than digging out wet muck.

Remember small holes in your roof are entry points for critters
Small holes in the roof of your home are prime entry points for rodents and pests. They can slink through almost any size opening or create one if rot is allowed to set in.

BOTTOM LINE: Taking steps now will avoid trouble later.  If you need help with your roof system, please contact us today and we would be pleased to help you out!  
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