The Citizen, 2015-10-29, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015.
Clean gutters the best way to prevent water damage
Continued from page 16
problems can occur.
• Leaks:Water will take the path
of least resistance. When clogged,
gutters do not allow the water to
drain away properly, water will find
other ways to the ground. It may
work itself right into the walls and
ceilings of the home. In addition to
damaging walls and ceilings,
moisture inside the home can
promote mould growth. It also
makes interior spaces more
appealing to pests.
• Excess weight:Gutters are
meant to hold the weight of
travelling water and not much more.
Gutters filled with leaves and other
debris can quickly become heavy.
This stresses the entire gutter system
and can cause the gutters to fall off
of the home entirely.
• Nesting areas:Clogged gutters
can serve as nesting areas for insects
and birds. Mosquitoes and other
insects lay eggs in pooling water.
Gutters can quickly become
breeding spots for harmful pests.
Furthermore, birds may nest in
gutters, creating unsightly messes
and more damage. Seeds that sprout
in clogged gutters can grow
unchecked.
• Ice-damming:Left untreated,
pooled water and leaves in gutters
can freeze over. Blocked water can
back up and push against the roof,
lifting shingles and destroying the
roof in the process.
• Foundation trouble:Clogged
gutters also may contribute to
flooded basements and cracked
foundations. Leaking water will pool
around the foundation, expanding
when frozen and causing cracks in
basement and crawlspace walls. It
also can cause driveways and other
cement areas around the home to sag
and crack.
Gutter cleaning should be
scheduled in the spring and fall of
each year. Homeowners can hire
gutter-cleaning services to handle
the job or do the job themselves.
Rinse the gutters with water from the
hose afterward to ensure good run-
off. Take the time to seal any leaks as
well. This routine maintenance can
save homeowners many headaches
and prevent some expensive repairs.
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Seaforth, Ont. 1-888-522-1737
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A good way to avoid trouble
Leaves and other debris can get stuck in eaves, creating
dangerous situations when it comes to water draining away
from the roof. If left plugged, water can end up breaking
eaves, creating nesting areas for unwanted critters,
causing foundation problems or damaging roofs. To prevent
these problems, clean gutters every fall. (MS photo)