If you’ve been inspecting your gutters by way of spring maintenance, you’ve probably wondered why you keep finding dirt in the gutter troughs, even if you don’t have trees on your property. In today’s post, the gutter contractors at Ken Morton & Sons LLC discuss why dirt finds its way into your gutters, and whether you should be worried about them.
Problems Caused by Dirt in the Gutters
The dirt that accumulates in the gutters is mostly made of wind-borne dust, silt and broken-down organic matter. These fine particles are easily transported by wind and rain, and eventually find their way onto your roof — into your gutters. Sediment from asphalt shingle roofs and animal droppings may also get mixed in.
The problem with dirt in the gutters is they tend to settle in tight spaces, which makes them difficult to remove. In large quantities, accumulated dirt can trap larger pieces like leaves and debris, causing one or more of the following:
- Clogged gutters. Clogging can result in overflowing rainwater that can cause damage to the house foundations and roof edges.
- Wear on gutter fasteners. Accumulated detritus in the gutters can weigh down the gutter troughs, increasing the wear on the fasteners and the risk of sagging or even completely detaching from the fascia. On traditional sectioned gutters, the joint and seams are likewise vulnerable to stress.
- Corrosion. Some particles in the dirt may be abrasive, which can erode the protective coatings in the gutter troughs and expose the bare metal to corrosion. If you have bare metal gutters like copper or aluminum, metal particles caught in the mix may cause galvanic corrosion.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
The good news is that dirt in the gutters does not accumulate overnight. Regular inspections and cleaning, at least once a year, can prevent the gutter problems described above. While it is tempting to clean your gutters yourself, having your gutters cleaned by professionals will get you more thorough results.
Need help with your gutters? Give our team at Ken Morton & Sons LLC a call at (856) 582-8800. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We serve Woodstown, NJ, and the surrounding communities.
