Caring for Gutters

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Caring for your gutters can extend the life of your roof in Salem, due to the excess of rain we receive each year.

Gutters may not seem like a very important part of your home, but in reality, they are crucial in keeping your roof from crumbling. When gutters are blocked, cracked, or damaged, you may notice the entire roofing system is faulty. If your gutters aren’t functioning properly, this is a warning sign that there will be more problems in the future.

The main functions of gutters are to keep water away from your basement/foundation, to reduce the amount of rain water that falls from the roof, to prevent erosion to your landscaping, and to keep your roofing system in tact. Without adequate gutters, your property may be subject to excess mold and mildew build-up, warped and stained walls and floors, and issues with your foundation, basement walls, and driveways.

To keep your gutters in tip-top shape, they should be cleaned once or twice a year. Early-to-mid November is the perfect time of year to do it, as leaves and twigs have mostly finished falling, and the coldest months of the year have not yet arrived. If you notice that your gutters are leaking, you should contact your trusted Salem roofing contractor right away. Not catching this type of issue quickly may lead to property damage that will be costly and time consuming to repair. Trees and branches are major culprits when it comes to gutter (and roof) damage, so be sure to keep these trimmed away from the roof and gutters of your property. It may also be your advantage to install some form of gutter guard. Contact your local Salem roofing contractor for consultation regarding gutter systems and guards.

Written by
Terry Slate
Terry is the Vice President of Slate & Slate Roofing and has over 28 years of experience with both residential and commercial roofing. He specializes in metal roofing, composition roofing, and PVC membrane roofing.