Gutter Cleaning in Lake Shore, WA

Storms coming across the open lake reach Lake Shore homes with nothing to slow them down. They push rain against west-facing roofs in bursts, and gutters on that side have to handle a lot of water in a short time. If the trough is partly full of leaves or grit, it spills over. Wind also carries leaves from neighborhood trees onto roofs that do not have any trees above them.

The lake keeps humidity up through the wet season. Shaded roofs on the east and north sides of a house can stay wet for weeks, which is how moss and algae get a foothold. The growth sheds into the gutters as it ages and leaves a slick, dark film on the outside of the metal.

Water that cannot drain finds the weakest point. Sometimes that is the fascia board, which can rot after a few winters of soaking. Sometimes it is the foundation, where overflow pours down beside the wall and saturates the soil around a crawlspace or basement. And sometimes it is the siding, which picks up drip stains and splashed mud. Clearing the gutters and keeping the downspouts open prevents all three.

Many homes here have established yards with ornamental trees, hedges and garden beds right up against the house. Overflowing gutters pour straight into those beds, wash out mulch and drown plants that do not like wet feet. Clean gutters move that water to the downspouts, where it belongs.