Gutter Clogs: Common Causes and How to Deal With Them

Gutter clogging can occur for a wide variety of reasons. Understanding what causes it is crucial in taking action to protect this important component of your home exterior. 

Muck and Sludge

The black, slimy concoction that forms inside gutters is made from broken-down branches and leaves. Sometimes, it stems from animal carcasses that have decomposed. Failure to address the muck and sludge leads to clogging problems in the system. This can affect the water runoff and cause ponding in some sections. While they can be normally disposed of, they’re also ideal as compost for your garden since they’re essentially organic matter.

Ice Dams

Snow buildup can be a common problem on your roof during winter. If the heat inside the attic isn’t ventilated properly, it can linger too long and warm up the snow on the other side of the roof. As the snow melts, it slides down onto the cold gutters, which then refreezes because of the sudden temperature change. When this happens, your gutters are rendered useless due to the formation of ice dams. Get in touch with a roof repair specialist for an inspection to determine if you have enough intake and exhaust vents installed. 

Tree Branches

Trees in your residential property add beauty to your landscaping, but they can also cause gutter clogs if their branches are too close to your roof. Consider trimming any nearby branches to prevent the leaves and twigs from falling onto your roof.  Gutter guards may also be installed to reduce how often you need to clear out accumulated debris.

In addition to providing exceptional residential roofing services, The Badger Company can also be relied upon if you need to install new gutters or blown-in insulation. For more information, just call us at (608) 850-6282, or fill out our online request form. We serve homeowners in Waunakee, WI, and the surrounding communities.