If you go take a look at the exterior of your home and check near the top edge you will see a series of channels that are all connected. They are there to help with drainage of water. When it rains the pitch of the roof sends the water running off. Too many homes were being damaged and there was a lot of runoff in areas that people just didn’t want it which were damaging fascia, exterior walls and even foundations. Gutters were added to homes to allow the water to get off the roof and be sent to a designated area to drain. This is where the downspout comes into play. The downspout is strategically placed so that the water is coming off the roof and into an area that is able to handle the amount of water that may come from a rainstorm. When the water leaks off in areas that it is not meant to, it can cause puddles and damage the fascia. That is why having a good clean and clear gutter and downspout is paramount to your homes drainage system.

American Hometown Services Lists How to Clean the Most Common Items That Clog Gutters & Downspouts

Cleaning Dirt, Leaves & Twigs from Gutters: The most common items that are found in gutters and downspouts are twigs, leaves and dirt; all for obvious reasons. The gutters are an open air channel that have no cover to stop any debris from falling directly in the gutter. The leaves and twigs that naturally fall from the trees around your home can easily be found in the gutters. The dirt is there from the wind and elements that are always floating through the air. These are all creating a barrier so that the water that is supposed to be flowing through the channel is blocked. The dirt is a bigger issue because mixed with water, it creates a type of sludge that is hard to remove. The best way to treat any kind of debris is to have a pressure washer come out and clean the gutters.
Live Plants Can Grow in a Gutter Garden: The perfect planter for a small plant to take root is in the gutter. The gutter is full of dirt and water and has access to sunlight. That is all that is needed for a small seed to take off and the means that you can easily see a plant growing from the gutters! The roots can take off and will cause damage to the gutters and could even separate the pieces of gutter. The plants will need to be removed and that can be done with a pressure washer.
Chipmunks, Mice, Birds & Nests Can Be in Gutters: The gutter is a great place for a small bird or a small critter such as a mouse to start to make their nest. They like to have a spot that is somewhat closed off but with some exposure to allow air flow. The nesting material can be leaves and other debris that the critter is able to find. These can all be things that will easily block up the gutter.

Pressure Washing Services to Clean Your Gutters, Downspouts & Exterior Surfaces in Quincy, Macomb, Hamilton, Warsaw & East Alton Illinois | Hannibal, Missouri.

The best way to ensure that your gutters and downspouts are cleaned out is to hire a pressure washing company. American Hometown Services offers gutter cleaning, pressure washing, cleaning and restoration services.