The easiest and most effective way to keep your gutters in shape is to prevent congestion. But first, you’ll need to understand what’s causing them to become clogged in the first place. Knowing the exact cause is the first step in determining the best preventive measure.

Fallen Leaves

Leaf buildup is the most common reason for gutter congestion. The issue is especially bad during fall when trees usually lose their leaves and end up settling inside the gutters. If your property has significant foliage, and if some of those trees are placed a bit too close to your home, then gutter congestion is only a matter of time. You can easily prevent this by having any encroaching tree branches over your roof and gutters trimmed regularly. If possible, you can do away with the tree altogether, especially if it’s already dangerously close to your home.

Bird’s Nests

Chirping birds make for lovely visitors in your outdoor space. But like some guests, they also tend to overstay their welcome. Gutters are a prime location for nesting because they’re high enough to protect them from opportunistic, non-avian predators and large enough to comfortably accommodate hatchlings. The only problem is that the nesting materials create blockages that hamper the draining performance of your gutters. This causes rainwater to back up and overflow, or seep through the fascia board and create leaks. You can discourage birds from your gutters by placing decor owls and snakes around the system, or using loud noises and spray repellents. Better yet, schedule regular gutter inspections and cleaning with a local professional.

Another excellent alternative is to invest in high-quality gutter covers. This is an upgrade that Exterior Building Solutions can help you with. Our trained and skilled team can tell you more about your available options for gutter covers and help you pick the right one for your needs. With quality gutter covers in place, leaves and birds won’t be able to find their way into the system, eliminating the potential for congestion while ensuring smooth and efficient draining performance from your gutters.

Get in Touch With Us

Exterior Building Solutions specializes in roofing and siding. But if you need a professional to handle your gutter needs, we’ll be more than happy to fill that role. Look no further for quality gutter services you’d be happy to recommend to family and friends. You may request a quote by calling us at (314) 470-8783 or by filling out this contact form. We proudly serve homeowners in Arnold, MO, and other areas in Jefferson County.