The gutter system is a critical component of a building’s roofing system and a long-term investment in the maintenance of your home.  Make sure gutters are in good condition and solidly fixed to the house and/or building.    In order, for water to flow freely, debris must be removed from the gutters.   


Gutter sections are hung a certain way, in order for water to flow towards the down pipes.  If gutters are not cleaned, the weight of the water and debris will change the alignment of the gutter, therefore, water will not flow properly to the down pipes, this can result in water over flow causing wood rot to your home. 

 

Winter weather conditions can cause gutters and downspouts to fill with ice and be damaged beyond repair or torn off the house due to the increase weight of frozen water. 


At every downspout there is a gutter strainer trap (outlet) that stops debris from entering the weeping tile system.  These traps are usually made of plastic and over time deteriorate and let debris enter into your weeping tile system. 

 

Gutter Sludge

Gutter sludge is an accumulation of debris in your gutter system that consists of fine organic material and is typically black and slimy. The fine particles that create gutter sludge include pollen, algae, moss, roofing materials, decomposing leaves, tree needles, and twigs, and bird feces. Gutter sludge can build up overtime into a soupy mass and this rotting material becomes a slimy mess that will clog your gutters and downspouts.


Gutter Silt


Silt is a solid, dust-like sediment that water, ice, and wind transport and deposit into your gutter system. Silt buildup can cause blockage and backups in your gutter system.


Shingle Sediment


Shingle sediment is the granules on an asphalt roof that loosen over time, and, as a result, the granules will begin to shed off the roof’s surface and sweep int your gutters and downspouts. Shingle sediment weights more than water and if it collects and remains in your gutter system than it can create a clog.


How to prevent gutter sludge, silt, and roofing sediment.


Gutter silt, sludge, and shingle sediment can only become a huge issue if overlooked. The weight of full gutters and stagnant gutter water could result in all sorts of issues like overflowing gutters, sagging or detached gutters, damage to the soffit and fascia boards, and foundation damage. You can alleviate them, and even prevent them from clogging up in the first place, with regular gutter maintenance.


How often should you clean your gutters?

Once a year is sufficient in the fall after the leaves have fallen. However, if your house structure is near proximity to trees, even if they are your neighbour’s, recommend that you have gutters cleaned twice a year or more due to heavy shedding trees from leaves, tree needles, and twigs.





Gutter Repairs

 


The gutter system will over time require some routine repairs, for example, gutters becoming separated from the house, plugged or loose down pipes, gutters misaligned causing water flow issues.  We can install gutter or downspout strainer (outlet), down pipes, drip edge, and rehang gutters with the proper gutter mounting screws, along with fixing any gutter slope water flow issues.  When they install gutters, they use an average screw, however, this type of screw overtime can become rusty and weaken from the weight of debris, moisture, water, and screw will simply break. We use a metal flashing screw with a rubber washer that prolongs the lifespan and prevents water from penetrating to the screw that fastens to the fascia boards.


If you find a leak, this can be plug with roofer's cement that's applied after thoroughly cleaning the surface, however, this is only a temporary fix.  In the case of a major leak, it's preferable to replace the entire section. 


Let us assist in the regular maintenance of cleaning your gutter system, we do not recommend pressure washing the gutters, the inexperience person can weaken out the corners, gutter strainers traps, and splatter the dirt and debris onto the exterior of your home.  We clean the gutters by hand and rinse off with water to make sure water is  flowing properly to the down pipe, this method is cleaner and more efficient.