Don’t Let Clogged Gutters Wreck Your Roof: Atlanta’s Guide to Seasonal Gutter Maintenance
In the greater Atlanta area, heavy rain and sudden storms are part of life. That’s why your gutters play a critical role in protecting your home. Gutter maintenance is often overlooked by homeowners and property managers until water damage has already occurred.
We’ve seen firsthand how neglected gutters can lead to costly roof repairs, foundation issues, and even interior water damage. Whether you’re in Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Acworth, or Atlanta, here’s what you need to know to keep your gutters flowing and your roof protected year-round.
Why Gutter Maintenance Matters in Metro Atlanta
They say when it rains, it pours, and this is true for metro Atlanta. Clean, well-maintained gutters move that rain away from your home, preventing water damage and leaks.
However, when gutters are clogged, sudden downpours can overwhelm your system. This causes water to back up under shingles or to spill over and pool beside your building. Overwhelmed gutters can also become damaged, themselves, compounding water damage over time.
Gutters are often clogged by falling leaves, especially in the fall. They can also become damaged by other tree debris after storms and windy days. The build-up can be slow and easy to miss, so it’s important to check your gutters for obstructions regularly.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
In and around Atlanta, we recommend cleaning your gutters twice per year, usually in late spring and late fall. Cleaning in late spring helps assure your gutters are clear for summer storms, and cleaning in late fall is naturally a good time to remove tree debris and leaves.
However, even with two regular cleanings a year, it is important to inspect your gutters after every major storm. Ignoring storm damage to your gutters can lead to costly roof repair costs later. Signs your gutters need attention include:
- Overflowing water during rain
- Sagging or detached gutters
- Water stains on siding
- Pools of water near your foundation
- Visible plant growth or nests in the gutter channel
If you see any of these signs, or if anything else appears abnormal, your gutters likely aren’t doing their job and need attention.
DIY vs. Professional Gutter Cleaning
Cleaning the gutters yourself may be tempting if you want to save some money. However, that’s not always the best option.
Yes, you can effectively clean your own gutters for free, but there are other hidden costs.
First, you will be spending your own time, which is your most valuable resource. You could spend hours cleaning that you could have used doing something you enjoy.
Second, you risk your safety. There is always the risk of falling, especially for multi-story homes. Hiring professionals means a trained crew with safety equipment to do it for you. There is no reason to put your personal health insurance policy to the test.
Third, you might not be as thorough as a professional gutter cleaning. If you don’t know what to look for, you could miss hard-to-reach or hidden clogs and damage. You could be stuck cleaning your gutters again and again without ever truly addressing the worst issues.
Professional roofers, like us at Academy Roofing, save you the time and trouble of trying to do it all yourself. Plus, gutter cleanings are significantly more affordable than water damage repair.
Schedule Your Gutter Check Today
As a trusted roofing company serving Acworth and the greater Atlanta area for over 30 years, we understand your concerns and maintenance needs.
We treat your roof like it’s our own.
Don’t wait for the next storm to find out your gutters aren’t ready. Whether you’re a homeowner in Roswell or a property manager in Sandy Springs, Academy Roofing is here to help.Contact us today, or call us at 678.384.7663, to schedule an inspection or explore the best roofing solutions for your business.
