Roof gutters are essential since they direct rainwater away from your home, protecting the foundation from water damage. Additionally, gutters prevent too much water from accumulating on your roof and entering your home.
At some point, your roof gutters may clog due to excessive debris accumulation. If your roof accumulates excessive debris, you need to look for ways to prevent the problem before it causes major issues. Here are some ways to stop roofing tiles from clogging your gutters.
Install Gutter Guards
Installing gutter covers is one of the best ways to prevent roofing tiles from clogging your gutter system. Most homeowners prefer this solution since it’s cost-effective. There are three main types of gutter guards that you can install, including fine mesh, surface tension, and foam guards.
Fine-mesh gutter guards have a perforated surface that keeps even the tiniest debris out while allowing water to flow through, preventing clogs. When installing a fine-mesh gutter guard, your roofing contractor may place it under the shingles or bend the back and secure it to the fascia. Consider buying a fine-mesh guard made from surgical steel since it lasts longer. For maximum performance, clean it regularly using a brush or warm air.
A surface-tension guard allows water to collect in the rounded nose before draining into the gutter while leaves and other debris fall off the edge. For this type of guard to work effectively, place it in such a way that its slope matches the roof’s slope.
Foam gutter guards are sponge-like foam blocks usually made from UV-stabilized polyether. Their porous design allows rainwater to pass through as it traps debris. The main advantage of using these gutter guards is that they’re flexible, allowing you to use them with all types of gutters.
Trim Nearby Trees
Most homeowners like growing trees on their properties since they look great, increase property value, and improve the air quality. Despite these advantages, planting trees near your home can cause adverse effects. They usually shed leaves that can fall on your roof and cause gutter blockage.
To prevent this issue, regularly trim the tree branches hanging over your roof. Nevertheless, tree branches usually grow back quickly, and trimming them can be time-consuming. In this case, hiring a professional tree-trimming service may be the way to go. Also, avoid planting trees too close to your house. Most professionals recommend planting trees 30 to 50 feet away from your home.
Cover Your Roof
During heavy storms, your roofing tiles may break and end up in your gutters. If you know that the storm is going to be severe, covering your roof may be the best way to protect it.
When buying a plastic roof cover, ensure it’s big enough to cover your entire roof. After covering your roof, secure the plastic cover with weights to prevent it from moving.
Regularly Check the Condition of Your Roofing Tiles
Most roofing tiles are made from strong materials that can withstand harsh weather, ensuring they remain in good condition for a long time. However, this doesn’t mean that they can’t get damaged. For instance, high humidity levels can make your wooden tiles rot and form chips. Clay tiles may also crack when exposed to excessive sun for an extended period. The cracked tile pieces and chips may enter your gutter system, causing clogs.
Once you spot cracks or chips on your roofing tiles, repair them with a cement board. These ready-made cut sheets prevent water from entering the cracks, protecting your home from extensive water damage.
Clear Your Gutters
Another effective way to prevent your gutters from clogging is by clearing them often. You can remove the dirt and debris from your gutter system using a pressure washer, a garden hose, or even a simple old-fashioned garden trowel.
According to most professionals, you should clear your roof at least three times a year. However, if you live in a region that regularly experiences heavy storms and winds or have a lot of deciduous trees in your yard, clear your gutters monthly.
Clean Your Downspouts Regularly
Debris can accumulate in your downspouts, especially if they’re too small. Excessive dirt accumulation prevents rainwater from flowing properly, even if your gutters are clean. Therefore, you should also clean your downspouts whenever you clean your gutters.
Install an Automatic Gutter Cleaning Machine
Keeping up with regular gutter cleaning can be exhausting. Moreover, gutter cleaning is time-consuming and can inconvenience people with busy schedules. Fortunately, automatic gutter cleaners make home maintenance easier than ever for homeowners.
These machines are effective since they clear your gutter immediately after dirt enters the system. They are also easy to install and maintain. They can even clean your downspouts.
Install High-grade Gutters
Sometimes, your gutters may not drain water properly even when you clean them regularly. If your experience such issues, it usually means that your gutters are undersized.
Protect your home from water damage by installing high-grade gutters that are designed to handle heavy loads and have built-in filters that can trap debris, preventing clogs. Additionally, they come with a cap to prevent leaves and other debris from falling in.
Most people avoid installing high-grade gutters because they can be expensive. Nevertheless, they’re a significant investment since they’re long-lasting, preventing the need for regular replacement and saving you money in the long run.
Ensure That Your Tiles Are Properly Installed
How your roofing contractor installs tiles is a factor in whether or not they’ll cause clogs in your gutters. If your roofing contractor doesn’t install your tiles properly, they may become loose and enter your gutters. Poorly installed tiles also have gaps that allow dirt to accumulate and eventually flow into your gutters when it rains.
Always hire professional roofing contractors to avoid experiencing such problems. These experts have the right expertise and tools for tile installation, so your roof won’t experience serious issues in the future.
Regularly Check the Condition of Your Gutters
Your gutters may develop damage from natural causes. Eventually, they may rust, or objects like tree branches could fall on them. Leaking gutters usually allow rainwater to collect in specific areas. Consider patching the gutter holes using roofing cement. If the problem has gone too far, contact a roofing professional from Quality Roofing to replace your gutters as soon as possible.
Trustworthy Roofing Solutions
Dealing with clogged gutters can be a frustrating issue for many homeowners. Fortunately, you can easily prevent it from occurring through regular roof and gutter maintenance. At Quality Roofing, we help residents in Pensacola and the surrounding areas deal with clogged gutters. Our team is well-experienced when it comes to dealing with roof issues and has the necessary tools to handle all the tasks, guaranteeing you satisfaction. We also offer other roofing services, including installing new roofs and maintaining and repairing commercial and residential properties. If you’re looking for a company to help you prevent your roofing tiles from clogging your gutters, contact Quality Roofing today to talk to one of our professionals.
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