Gutter Maintenance: The Overlooked Key to Roof Longevity

Gutters aren't glamorous. Nobody's excited about cleaning them, and most homeowners don't think about them until water is pouring over the side during a rainstorm. But here's what we've learned from years of roof work - more roof damage starts at the gutters than people realize. A $50 gutter cleaning can prevent thousands in roof and water damage.

How bad gutters wreck good roofs

When gutters clog up with leaves and debris, water backs up under the edge of your roof instead of flowing down the downspouts. That standing water seeps into the fascia board, rots the wood, and eventually works its way under the shingles at the eaves. Over a couple of years, you go from a clogged gutter to a rotted roof edge that needs to be torn out and rebuilt.

In Kansas winters, clogged gutters cause ice dams. Water freezes in the gutter, then more water backs up behind the ice and pushes under the shingles. We see ice dam damage every spring, and it's almost always connected to gutters that weren't cleaned in the fall.

Signs your gutters need attention

• -Water overflowing during rainstorms instead of flowing through the downspouts
• -Sagging sections where the weight of debris is pulling the gutter away from the house
• -Staining or peeling paint on the fascia boards behind the gutters
• -Puddles forming right next to your foundation - this means water isn't being directed away from the house
• -Plants growing in your gutters - if there's enough dirt and moisture to support weeds, it's been way too long

How often should you clean them?

Twice a year is the standard recommendation - once in late spring after the cottonwood and maple seeds are done, and once in late fall after the leaves drop. If you've got a lot of trees near your house, you might need a third cleaning in midsummer. It's not a fun job, but it's a straightforward one. Scoop out the debris, flush the downspouts with a hose, and check for any damage while you're up there.

When to repair vs. replace

Small leaks at the seams can be sealed with gutter caulk. A section that's pulled away can usually be re-secured with new hangers. But if your gutters are rusted through, sagging in multiple spots, or causing water to pool against your foundation, it's time for new ones. Seamless aluminum gutters run about $6-$12 per linear foot installed and they'll last 20+ years.

We do gutter repair and replacement alongside our roofing work. If you're not sure whether yours need attention, we'll check them during any roof inspection. Give us a call at (913) 605-0073.