The Importance of Gutter Maintenance
 Keep your gutters clean to protect your investment…
Did you know that water is one of your home’s worst enemies, and that clogged gutters invite costly home
repairs? It is easy to ignore them…after all, their purpose seems pretty simple…but if they’re
not inspected on a regular basis for proper water flow, you may be sorry when those preventable home repairs take a
major toll on your "rainy day fund".
Clogged gutters and downspouts can contribute to the following problems:
- Water pooling around foundation walls – Overflowing gutters, due to leaves and debris, can result in
water pooling on the ground at the foundation walls and can cause basement⁄lower level leaks. Pooled
water can also cause unwanted settlement of sidewalks and damage to landscaping. The importance of properly
maintained gutters, proper downspout extension, and proper grading of the ground around your home cannot be emphasized
enough as a first line of defense.
- Freeze/thaw conditions during the winter can make pooling water from clogged gutters or misdirected downspouts
a sidewalk and driveway safety hazard for you, your neighbors and visitors. Inspecting gutters in the fall
may prevent a nasty fall for you or someone you care about.
- Soffit & Fascia Damage – Gutter overflow can rot soffits and fascia, attract mold, and the excessive
weight of trapped water and ice can damage gutters over time.
It is the Homeowner’s responsibility to maintain the proper function of their gutters. Once we
realize that their purpose saves us costly repairs, I’m sure we will pay more attention to these important,
defenders of our home front and their regular maintenance.
Dan O’Gorman
Architectural Committee
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