It goes without saying that gutter cleaning is an important part of your home’s upkeep. We often get asked about how often gutters should be cleaned before they get clogged, and the answer varies depending on factors such as what causes gutters to get clogged in the first place. In today’s post, local gutter installation company Patriot Gutters LLC takes a look at the most common causes of clogged gutters.
1. Leaves, twigs and needles. The most common in this list is the detritus that comes from trees, including leaves and twigs. In addition to trees in your own property, windblown leaves and twigs can make their way to your gutters. Pine needles, owing to their shape and size, can be particularly troublesome as they easily slip into crevices such as gutter seams, making them difficult to remove manually.
2. Sediment. Sediment in the gutters is typically a combination of dirt and asphalt shingle granules, the latter due to the normal aging process that shingles go through. UV damage to asphalt shingles can also contribute to the amount of granules that come loose and end up in the gutters. Sometimes the granules can abrade the coating in your gutters and expose the bare metal, resulting in corrosion and, if not caught during routine maintenance, may necessitate gutter repairs. The weight of accumulated granules can also increase the strain on the gutter troughs and cause them to pull away from the roofline.
3. Live plants and animals. Certain types of plants, usually weeds, have airborne seeds that can grow in any environment. All they need is a minimum of moisture, organic matter and no interference from other plants and animals — all of which are found in the insides of gutter troughs. Nesting birds likewise find refuge in the gutters, which can ultimately block the flow of water within.
4. Misaligned gutters. Poor gutter alignment can contribute to clogged gutters. This is common with traditionally-built gutters made of sectioned gutter troughs. Instead of flowing towards the downspouts, water can back up or just end up standing in the gutter troughs, which can lead to corrosion. Choosing seamless gutters can help prevent problems clogging and other problems caused by poor alignment.
Fortunately, regular cleaning and maintenance, as well as gutter guards, can help prevent gutter clogging. For all your gutter needs, Patriot Gutters LLC is here to help. Give us a call at (405) 701-0909, or by filling out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We serve Oklahoma City, OK, and the surrounding communities.