Many homeowners often wonder why gutters, despite their location along the roofline, still gather dirt over time. Continue reading as Roof Masters discusses where dirt comes from and how it ends up inside gutters, as well as cleaning and prevention tips to keep in mind.
The primary culprits behind the accumulation of dirt in your gutters are wind-borne dust, silt and broken-down organic matter. Varying weather conditions contribute to the amount and type of debris your gutters will collect. Strong winds, especially during the often unpredictable spring and fall seasons, can lift and deposit fine particles of dust and silt from open lands, construction sites and urban areas directly into your gutters. Leaves, twigs and other organic materials that end up in your gutters can decompose over time into a dirt-like substance.
Dirt can clog your gutters and downspouts, preventing water runoff from being redirected away from your home. The water backs up, either spilling to the sides of the gutters or ending up flowing down your siding, exposing your home to significant water damage. Furthermore, the weight of wet, dirt-filled gutters can lead to structural damage enough for some or most of the segments to pull away from your home.
Failing to address dirt buildup inside the gutters can make cleaning a bit of challenge. Over time, the mixture of organic matter will harden, especially during the dry summer months, making it tough to remove. Getting rid of it would require special tools, which means the task should be left in the hands of capable and experienced professionals.
Regular inspections, especially after strong winds or heavy storms, are also imperative to help catch and remove debris before it becomes a problem later. Also, consider trimming tree branches back from the roofline to minimize the amount of organic material that can end up in your gutters. To minimize the need for frequent gutter cleaning, installing gutter guards would be the next best solution, as they prevent larger debris from entering the system while allowing water to pass through.
For all your gutter needs, turn to Roof Masters! Our team installs gutter systems that are proven to provide the necessary strength and capacity to handle the snow, ice and rain we experience here in Maryland and Virginia. In addition, we offer the Leaf Away and Leaf Relief gutter protection systems, two of the most highly popular and consumer-recommended gutter protection brands in the United States. To learn more, give us a call at (301) 230-7663, or fill out this contact form to request an estimate.