If you have gutters installed on your home, you've gone a long way towards protecting your home and your roof from water damage. However, if you don't have gutter covers in place, the job isn't complete. You might not realize this but gutter covers provide an additional layer of protection for your home and roof. If you're not sure you need gutter covers, take a look at the list provided below. If you've experienced even one of these situations, it's time to have covers installed on your gutters.
You Found Nests in Your Gutters
Unprotected gutters provide the perfect hiding space for pests such as birds, mice, and rats. Unfortunately, once they build their nests, they pose a serious threat to your gutters. That's because the nesting material can block access to the downspout, causing excess water to overflow from the gutters. Not only that but the droppings left behind can eat right through the gutter material, causing holes to develop. If you've discovered nests in your gutters, you need to have covers installed right away.
Your Gutters Fill With Leaves and Debris
If you have mature trees in your yard, you can expect your gutters to fill with debris, especially if you haven't installed covers. The more debris that collects in your gutters, the greater the risk for water damage is to your home. That's because, like the nesting material, excess debris can cause clogs in your gutters. Without covers, the only way to protect your home and your roof, and to keep your gutters flowing properly, is to clean them out at least once a month. However, once you install covers, you won't have to worry about the build-up of leaves and debris in your gutters.
Your Foundation has Suffered Water Damage
If you have water damage around the foundation of your home, such as erosion, your gutters may be the cause. This is particularly true if you don't have gutter covers installed. The nesting material and leaves can cause your gutters to overflow. Unfortunately, when gutters overflow, the excess water tends to pool around the foundation of your home. The problem can get even worse if you have a basement or crawl space in your home. Once your gutters overflow, the water can cause flooding in your basement or crawl space. You can reduce that risk by installing gutter covers.
Your Gutters Experience Freeze/Thaw Cycles
Finally, if you experience freezing temperatures during the winter, and your gutters aren't covered, you may be at risk for damage caused by freeze/thaw cycles. Without covers, your gutters won't drain properly. The excess water in your gutters will soak through your shingles. Once the water freezes, the shingles will lift from the roof. Each time the water goes through a freeze/thaw cycle, additional damage will be done to your roof and to your gutters. The installation of gutter covers will put an end to the freeze/thaw problem by allowing water to flow freely through the gutter systems.
Share20 January 2020
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