Out of sight, out of mind. One of the many things that phrase can be applied to is clogged gutters.
Unless you have an upstairs room that looks down on a lower level roof, you probably have never looked into your gutters. Most homes in Maryland, Virginia, and the surrounding areas are built with standard, open rain gutters. The purpose of gutters is to catch falling rain and run-off from your roof and direct it away from your home. Without gutters, rain water would pool around your foundation, or even travel back behind your roof overhang and leak into windows. Gutters are an important level of protection for you home.
Regardless of whether or not you have trees near your home, over time debris can build up inside your gutters. If your home is close to trees, you are sure to have clogs at some point in time. When gutters become clogged with leaves, sticks, roof granules and other items, overflow can occur. When it does, water can seep behind your roof’s overhand and find its way to the smallest of cracks around windows and doors. Over time, this can cause wood rot and mold, compromising your home.
If your home has standard, open gutters, your best bet to keep your home safe and dry is to have your gutters inspect yearly for signs of clogs. If clogs are apparent, removing the debris is necessary. Sound like a hassle? There is another solution…covered gutters.
One product on the market that has shown excellent results is the Bulldog Gutter Guard – an aluminum gutter insert designed to handle the heaviest of rains, and keep leaves and debris from clogging your gutters. Some of the benefits of Bulldog Gutter Guards are that it fits into either new or existing gutters, it cannot be seen from the ground, and it does not interfere with your roof shingles. It is also made from 98% recycled aluminum, and is available in 5-, 6-, and 7-inch sizes. For more information on Bulldog Gutter Guards, visit www.bulldoggutterguard.com.
To find out how covered gutters can protect your home, and for a free, no obligation gutter estimate, contact S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows at 1-866-836-7663.
Cracks and wood rot do not always go hand-in-hand. While you need to keep an eye on cracks, if the wood was properly treated, having cracks doesn’t always lead to rot. However, if you notice wood that is splintering, or is soft when you press on it, you might be experiencing rot. It is best to have a professional take a look and determine whether replacement is necessary.
When settlers came to America in the 1600’s, homes were constructed primarily from wood. After all, wood was plentiful, and conserving natural resources was not a priority. Logs were cut and used in conjunction with mud and clay to construct what we now call log cabins. From the 1600’s to the mid 1900’s, homes were mainly constructed from wood, stone, and brick. 
As roofers, we are often asked why shingles blow off even when there hasn’t been a bad storm or high wind day. There are a few different reasons roof shingles blow off. Some are obvious, while others…not so much. Let’s explore…