Downspouts are Influential to a Gutter's Effectiveness

Gutters are a crucial part of any home’s exterior. They redirect water away from the foundation of your house and prevent leaks from forming in the attic or basement. That being said, gutters don’t do much good if their downspouts are clogged and not working properly. That’s why it’s important to have your gutter downspouts professionally cleaned and serviced on a regular basis. Let’s take a closer look at why cleaning and maintenance is so important.

Why Cleaning is Necessary

Gutters are exposed to all types of outdoor elements, which means they can quickly get blocked up with dirt, leaves, twigs, and other debris. If left unchecked, this debris can quickly clog your gutters, forcing water to back up into them and eventually overflow onto your roof or siding. Even worse, if the blockage is severe enough it can cause your gutters to pull away from the house entirely! That’s why it’s important to clean out your gutters regularly (at least a few times a year) so that you don’t have to worry about them overflowing or pulling away from the house altogether.

Downspouts are a little bit more tricky.  For one, clogs are not immediately visible, so blockage can easily build up unnoticed.  This poses a special challenge during winter months where not only are your downspouts at risk of ice damming but also of fracture.  Water expands when it freezes, which can cause severe damage to the downspout, especially at the seams.  Most homeowners don’t have the tools necessary to properly clean their downspouts, which is why this is a task best left to a professional.

What Happens if I Don’t Have Them Cleaned?

If your downspouts are clogged or leaking, you might as well not even have gutters in the first place.  The water that is trapped by and accumulates in the gutters needs somewhere to go.  It’s your downspouts’ job to direct rainwater away from the house, and if this task isn’t accomplished you are putting both your roof and your foundation at risk.  Water that should be diverted away from the house will accumulate in the gutters, spilling over and soaking into the earth at the foundation and soaking the shingles at the eaves.

Clogged downspouts are every bit as detrimental to your house as clogged gutters, so they should be regularly cleaned by professionals.

Maintenance Tips

In addition to regular professional cleaning, there are a few things you can do to keep your gutter downspouts in working order for as long as possible. First, make sure that you check the connections between the gutters and downspouts every now and then; these connections should be secure so that water doesn't leak out of them. If you spot any rust or corrosion on either the gutters or downspouts themselves, make sure to replace those parts right away; rust/corrosion will weaken both components over time and could potentially lead to more serious damage down the line. Finally, replace any cracked/damaged parts with new ones immediately; while small cracks may seem like no big deal at first they can allow water to seep through and cause further damage over time if left unaddressed.

Be Proactive

Having your gutters and downspouts professionally cleaned might seem like an unnecessary expense, but taking care of them now will save you a headache (and money!) in the long run. Regularly cleaning out your downspouts will help prevent blockages from occurring in the first place, while maintaining existing connections/parts will ensure that everything stays securely connected for years to come. 

Don’t sleep on your downspouts.  If you are due for a thorough cleaning and preventative maintenance on your gutters and downspouts, give us a call today for a free consultation!