The gutters on your roof provide a vital service for the health and safety of your home and its landscaping. They collect rain and not only remove it from your roof, but they prevent structural damage by channeling it away from the house which aids in averting foundation damage, as well as damage to your home's landscaping. When your gutters are clogged with leaves, sticks, balls, and other debris, they cannot collect rainwater. Instead the gutters overflow and large amounts of precipitation splash over onto your landscaping and into the soil.
The soil that our homes are built upon in south Louisiana is a clay-laden, expansive soil. When it gets over saturated, it expands, putting pressure on your foundation. Furthermore, overflowing gutters can completely wash out your plants, flowers, mulch, and other landscaping features.
This is a good time of the year as the temperatures drop and the wind and rain of hurricane season have subsided, to inspect and clean your gutters. Simply get a ladder, inspect each section of your guttering and downspouts. If you notice a buildup of debris, clear it out. Make sure that your downspouts are aligned and carrying precipitation away from your home and landscaping. This simple chore can save you considerable time and money when spring rolls around.
