The fall foliage in New Jersey can take your breath away, but once the leaves start to drop and fill your roof gutters, it’s time to say goodbye to these colorful signs of the season. Cleaning the leaves from your gutters should be a top priority for any homeowner who wants to prevent water damage and avoid expensive roof repairs.
HOW DO LEAVES IN NEW JERSEY GUTTERS CREATE PROBLEMS?
If your New Jersey gutters are clogged with leaves, it’s obvious that water will not be able to flow through them and into the downspouts. But why does this matter?
The problem occurs when the leaves, sticks and other debris get high enough to form a dam. Then, water starts backing up and pooling on your roof. Any standing water on your roof is bad news, as it doesn’t take long for that water to start seeping in below your roof shingles.
Once this happens, water damage and wood rot can follow. Many areas of your home, such as those listed below, can be damaged by water that has accumulated on your roof due to clogged gutters.
- Roof deck
- Trusses/rafters and soffits
- Ceilings and walls
Most people place cleaning out the gutters far down on their “To Do” list, somewhere behind taking the kids to soccer, paying bills and watching Dancing with the Stars. But if avoiding water damage and costly repairs is important to you, inspect and clean your gutters after leaf dropping season is over to make sure they provide a clear path for water drainage.
CLEAN THE ALGAE FROM YOUR New Jersey ROOF TO MAKE IT LAST LONGER
After you’ve cleaned out your gutters, take advantage of the nice fall weather and consider cleaning your roof.
If you have black stains or streaks on your roof, it is probably gloeocapsa magma, a common strain of blue-green algae that loves to grow on New Jersey roofs. Not only is this fungus unsightly, it is potentially damaging, since it tends to hold moisture. Left unchecked, thick areas of algae and/or moss can hold enough moisture to cause rotting that can weaken your roof deck.
A weakened roof deck is more vulnerable to impact damage and carries a higher risk of cracking or breaking. A cracked roof opens the door for water, insects and animals to enter your home. By removing the algae and moss from your roof, you can remove this risk, brighten your home and increase its curb appeal.
To learn more about what M&M Construction Specialist can do for your next home improvement project in New Jersey, visit www.mmbuilds.com.
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Water/Flood Damage Serving Central and Northern NJ
Middlesex, Union, Somerset, Morris, Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties
Licensed and Insured
Water/Flood Damage
Serving Central and Northern NJ
Middlesex, Union, Somerset, Morris, Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties
Licensed and Insured