The purpose of rain gutters on a home is to carry rainwater from the roof away from the home and into a drain. This prevents water from pooling on the roof or pouring down the sides of the house and causing the walls to become damp.
Rain gutters are pitched at a slight slope so that the water can run from the roof to the downspout and into the drain below. Drains are usually positioned away from the foundations of the home to ensure water does not seep into them and cause problems.
When a drainage gutter system is working as it should, you should not even notice it. As long as it is doing its job, you might never even give it a second’s thought. But what happens if water starts to drip from the sides of the gutters, or if your gutters are pulling away from the house? Problems like this are usually caused by blockages in the gutter system. But what causes these blockages?
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Causes of Blockages in Your Gutters
The main cause of blocked gutters is a buildup of dirt and debris. Even tiny particles of silt and mud can build up over time, and along with other items such as twigs, leaves, and trash, all carried by the wind or birds, can result in a blockage that prevents water from flowing freely through the gutters.
Something that most people do not consider is that the dirt and debris in a gutter, coupled with the rainwater that flows through it, can provide the perfect environment for weed growth. Most people never even think about this until they notice weeds growing from the gutters.
Blockages are also caused by animals. Birds in particularlike to build their nests in gutters, and this can then attract pests such as rodents, eager to get the eggs in the nest. If rodents get onto the gutters, they might find an easier entry point to your home.
What Can You Do About Blocked Gutters
It is impossible to stop all dirt and debris from getting into the gutter system, but according to the good folk at Global Gutter Systems, rain gutter coverings are great for preventing the majority of it from infiltrating the gutters. These covers come in a variety of styles, which either fit on top of the gutter or sit inside it. All are designed to prevent things like leaves, twigs, and trash from getting into the gutter and causing a blockage.
Cleaning the gutters once or twice a year can also help. This is especially useful if you don’t have covers on the gutters as it allows you to remove any dirt lying in the gutters and thus prevent water from backing up and spilling over the sides or causing the gutter brackets to come free of the fascia due to the extra weight.
Even if you do have gutter covers, it is a good idea to get into the habit of checking the gutters regularly to see if they need a clean. Rain gutter coverings will not prevent all dirt and debris from getting into the gutters so unless you check them and clean them regularly, you could still end up with blockages.
Conclusion
Rain gutters are great when they work as they should. However, if they become blocked, water can back up and pour over the sides. Things like leaves, twigs, mud, and silt can all build up and cause a blockage.With regular cleaning and the installation of gutter coverings, this is something that you will not have to worry about.
