Things that Might Clog your Gutters

Your gutters may seem incidental, but they’re vital in keeping your home’s structural integrity intact. In particular, they prevent water from damaging your home’s underlying framework, like the wooden beams that hold the roof up and the foundation that keeps the entire building stable. In the event that they might not be doing well, here are a few culprits you might find lurking within them, causing major clogs in your gutters and downspouts:

Plant debris – Probably the most common debris of all, plant matter can easily accumulate within your gutters and clog them up thoroughly. Leaves, sticks, moss and pine cones can either be blown by the wind or washed down the roof by rainwater.

Rodents – Rodents like mice, squirrels and chipmunks are small enough to set up shop in your gutters, and they’re more likely to do so if the branches from nearby trees are situated too close to your roof. You can prevent them from lurking in your gutters by installing a gutter guard and trimming back those branches, creating a buffer of at least three feet away from the roof.

Insects – Insects may be tiny, but they can be devastating once they nest or begin to germinate. Most of the time, insects themselves are practically harmless; however, their carcasses and the pieces of debris resulting from their stay in your gutters can contribute to clogging.