September through late December may be the best time of the year; beautiful and colorful foliage starts to peak; the smell of pumpkin spice and apple cider fills the air and football comes back (Go Broncos!). However, with all of this beauty and an exciting start to some cooler weather comes falling leaves and lots of them.
While fall foliage is stunning and creates some breathtaking scenery, leaves end up falling each autumn and they can cause all sorts of issues like slippery roads, moldy yards that require raking, and clogged gutters to name a few.
Now that the weather is starting to cool and leaves are reaching their peak foliage for the season, we want to share some information on falling leaves and gutter systems and what you need to know. From the problems they can cause to your gutter system to how to clean and prevent clogs, we’ll cover it all. Keep reading to learn more.
How do falling leaves clog gutters?
Every deciduous tree (think oaks, birches, maples, etc.) will eventually lose every leaf as they do each and every autumn. Sure, the fall foliage is breathtaking and one of nature’s most beautiful events, but the changing of leaves from green to beautiful hues of yellows, oranges and reds means these trees will become bare and will soon blanket nearly every lawn.
Falling leaves have to go somewhere, and believe it or not they don’t always stay on your lawn or end up on roads. Leaves make their way into gutters on homes and businesses by way of wind and storms and cause all sorts of issues.
What problems can clogged gutters cause?
The short answer? A lot. When leaves aren’t removed from gutter systems each spring and fall, debris can build up over time and cause problems for homeowners. Below are just some of the problems clogged gutters can cause:
- Warped gutters
- Mold growth
- Invading insects
- Roof leaks and interior wall damage
- Ice dams during the freezing winter months
Like any other issue that goes untreated in a home, clogged gutters can result in even more serious issues like ruined gutters and severe leaking that requires a new roof. As a result, falling leaves that become trapped can end up costing you a pretty penny.
How can I clear leaves that have clogged my gutters?
While pesky falling leaves can get trapped in your gutter system, you can remove them with a little bit of elbow grease. Follow the tips below to clear the leaves that have clogged your gutters:
- Remove all debris from your gutters (leaves, insects, rocks, etc.)
- Flush gutters out with a hose to remove buildup of rocks and dirt
- Use a plumber’s snake in corners like where the gutter meets the downspout
- Flush out the downspout with a garden hose to remove buildup of rocks and dirt
For more in depth instructions, take a look at a past blog post: Downspouts 101.
It’s recommended that you clean your gutters two times per year; once in the springtime and once during the fall. If you have deciduous trees close to your home and a gutter system then you may want to clean your gutters more often as more falling leaves pose a higher risk of damage to your home.
How do I prevent falling leaves from clogging my gutters?
Yes, falling leaves cause all sorts of problems to gutters, but did you know that you can actually prevent falling leaves from making their way into your gutter system? The best way to prevent falling leaves from clogging your gutters is to install a K-Guard Gutter System.
Here at K-Guard, our leaf free gutter systems are just that… leaf free! What does that mean exactly? When you hire us to install your new K-Guard Gutter System, they will remain gutter free for a lifetime. While extremely rare, if for any reason your gutter system ever has trapped debris then we will clean them at no charge to you.
Our leaf free gutter systems are the best line of defense against pesky falling leaves. Don’t let them accumulate in your gutter system and create costly problems! Contact us today to schedule your free estimate before fall ends to protect your home from fallen leaves.
