We routinely field calls from prospective clients about their gutters being clogged. Part of the problem is the homeowner isn’t performing regular roof maintenance e.g. having their roof regularly blown, treating the roof, and replacing worn materials. However, some homeowners who have regular roof maintenance performed still experience gutter problems like the one shown below.
Today, we’ll talk about why this is occurring and what you can do to ensure this doesn’t happen. We have a DIY gutter repair solution anyone can complete ensuring your roofing system is in tip-top shape.
The photo above shows a gutter filled with debris and moss growing underneath the gutter. The photo below shows why this problem is occurring. Gutter systems that intersect with your roof i.e., are flush with the roofing surface, are more likely to collect debris than any other portion of your roof. Typically, this part of the gutter system is higher than the rest of the system causing it to collect a ton of debris. Having a gutter system that allows water and debris to move freely is the same reason why shake roof keyways are so important. It prevents debris from laying and decaying on your roofing surface.
Our DIY gutter repair solution for this gutter problem is to perform a gutter cutback. If you’re not afraid of heights and are handled with a pair of sheers, then you can perform this remedy. Depending on the size of the debris, and a few other factors, you’re going to want to cut your gutters back at least two inches. In this example, the red line is where we would recommend making the gutter cutback. Trimming your gutters back, so they’re not flush against the roof, allows the 40 inches of annual rainfall and tree debris to move systematically down and off of your roof. We still advise performing regular roof maintenance and having your roof blown annually if you have heavy tree debris, to ensure the gutter cutbacks are efficient as possible.
If you or your sweetheart don’t feel comfortable getting on your roof, to perform a gutter cutback, that’s ok. Roof Life of Oregon is ready and willing to serve you for all of your roofing needs. Please call us at (503) 461-2665 or fill out one of our roof estimate forms.