Your roof is the first line of defense that protects your home. It protects the interior of the home from natural elements like rain and the scorching heat of the sun. As strong as it may seem, your roof may also get damaged over time. The health of your roof depends on several factors including your gutter. 

Gutter System

The gutter is an important part of your roof and your home. It is vital to the health of your home. Despite the role it serves on your home, your gutters are often ignored. Your roof receives direct water from rain and if your gutters are clogged, water won’t drain properly which only means one thing – trouble for your roof. When it is raining and your gutter system is clogged, the water trapped in your gutter tends to move upward and will find its way to infiltrate even the tiniest gap on your roof. If your roof has wood components, the excess moisture from this water seepage hastens the decaying of the wood. 

So, how does the gutter system affect the roof? Heavy rain can cause damage to your roof, siding, and windows. When your gutter is damaged, it can, in turn, cause serious damage to your home. How? Water is collected around the edge of your home, causing extensive water damage to your walls and foundation, which can be costly. 

However, it is not enough that you have a gutter on your home – it needs to be checked, cleaned and maintained regularly. Usually, gutters get clogged by piles of soggy leaves, sticks and other debris. A clogged gutter cannot divert water away from your home – the water stays and will overflow over time. It’s important to have your gutters cleaned at least once a year. Typically the best time to do so is late autumn after most of the leaves have fallen. 

Whenever you notice problems with your gutter, no matter how small or large it is, contact a roofing professional right away. Regardless of how simple the problem in your gutter is, if it is not dealt with right away, it may worsen and affect your roof as well as the interior of your home.