Gutters are essential in maintaining the structural integrity of your home. Their primary function is to guide water from snow and rain away from your roof. If left unchecked, clogged gutters can lead to roof leaks and water damage to your property. That’s why Ray St. Clair Roofing, a gutter protection specialist in Cincinnati, OH, recommends having them cleaned, even during the winter.

3 Reasons to Clean Your Gutters During the Winter

1. Limit Pests

Gutter protection helps keep stagnant water, dead leaves, and animal waste from settling on your roof and creating a breeding ground for pests, like flies and mosquitoes. Since these insects’ eggs can survive when they are frozen, an unprotected gutter can be the site of infestation once they hatch during the warmer weather. 

2. Prevent Siding & Roof Damage

When the flow of water gets disrupted by clogs, it will drip down the sides of your house or seep into your roof or siding instead. This moisture expands as it freezes, causing severe damage to the structure. Moreover, since gutter debris freezes in the winter, water can’t move freely, thus leading to more buildup and icicles. Ice and snow are heavier than water, and the added weight can make gutters sag, or come loose and begin to fall.

3. Avoid Structural Damage

Gutters are designed to guide water away from your home. Clogging prevents them from performing this function, allowing water to flow into areas where they should not. As runoff water eventually seeps into your basement, it can cause damage that might weaken your home’s foundation structural integrity and affect other parts of your home as well.

Aside from cleaning them regularly, you can also have the #1 Gutter Helmet protection system installed to prevent water damage and structural issues. Ray St. Clair Roofing serves the Greater Cincinnati area, offering roof replacement and repair. They also specialize in sidings, replacement windows and doors, gutters, gutter protection, attic insulation, Velux skylights, and chimneys. Call them today at (513) 874-1234 or visit them online to learn about Gutter Helmet^®, the oldest gutter protection system in the world.