The main function of gutters is to redirect falling rain water from your roof onto the downspout. The downspout then leads the rainwater onto the ground away from your home. If the water is not directed away from your home, the excess water can settle around the perimeter of your home and cause a flood.

    Failing to routinely clean your gutters and downspout can lead to very expensive problems to your home over time. Roofs and gutters are not meant to hold debris or water for a prolonged period. Branches hanging over your roof can drop many leaves, branches, and even pests like squirrels and insects. Once there is enough debris on your roof and/or gutters, the leaves will start to decompose. Roof valleys and gutters are the main areas in which debris piles up in. Decomposed leaves, rain water, and the sun create the ideal environment for seeds, weeds, moss, and algae to grow and spread. These can also be ideal for rooftop ant farms. Growing weeds and ants can run the risk or spreading under the shingles and into the plywood causing it to rot. Algae can also eat up the limestone in asphalt shingles reducing its life expectancy.

    Clogged gutters and downspouts are prone to water buildup. This can be avoided with proper gutter guards. Not all gutter guards help so compare the pros and cons of the different types based on what your home needs. once the water has no where to go, it will start overflowing. The water can flow onto the ground or under the shingles into the plywood and fascia causing damage. The excess weight can lead to the gutters giving out and falling. Even if the gutters survive the rain throughout the year, the winter months still pose a risk since snow piles and icicles can form along the gutters.