Clean Gutters Mean Fewer Repairs

Warm hands, warm heart: Clean gutters, clean heart?

Maybe not

SERVPRO^® of Fargo provides expert services in cleaning and restoration, not in creating adages.

How about this one: “Take care of your gutters, and your gutters will take care of you.”

Better, but not great.

Here’s what homeowners should know

Roof gutters are designed to keep water off the roof, away from the exterior walls, and away from the foundation of the building.

Clogged gutters prevent the water from running off, so the water soaks the leaves and birds’ nests and kites, packing everything in tightly, making water run-off even less likely. More water then soaks into the leaves and birds’ nests and kites, leading to a finite cycle of soaked stuff that is packed too tightly for water to run off.

Notice that the cycle is finite, rather than endless.

The cycle ends because at least one of the following happens:

• The gutters tear away from the eaves, damaging the roof.
• Water builds up between the roof and the gutter, damaging the roof and possibly causing leaks.
• Water seeps into brick mortar or other exterior materials, crumbling them to bits.
• The water drips down near the foundation, weakening it and thereby causing major problems.
• The water drips down into the foundation and under your house, resulting in an unplanned and dirty indoor lake.

While we love water for many things, we don’t love it for all things. Leaks, both large and small, can result in major damage.

We don’t want to say “we told you so”

One of our best qualities is that we won’t say “we told you so.” We can’t promise that a family member won’t say that, but we won’t.

If roof damage or a cracked foundation lead to water damage, call us at 701-232-2455. Our emergency services are available all day, every day. SERVPRO of Fargo won’t start taking off holidays until emergencies do.

Making a Splash with Gutters

Gutters and downspouts usually blend in the house, making the home look sleek and/or reasonable.

An alternative is gargoyles, like the old European churches, or the much newer National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Perhaps gargoyles work only on cathedral-size buildings.

If installing an immense gargoyle sounds like too much work or like too much gutter for a house, you can try colored splash guards, down spouts in a color that contrasts with the house, or gargoyle-patterned splash blocks.

SERVPRO of Fargo

701-232-2455