Keeping the Gutter Sludge Monster at Bay
Published 08/02/16
Where Does Gutter Sludge Come From?
No, gutter sludge doesn’t come from the depths of outer space. It accumulates in your gutters when fine organic material moves from your roof into the gutter. This includes debris such as needles or partially-decomposed leaves. This sludge is also made up of algae, small pieces of moss, and even roofing material that moves off the roof. It’s difficult to clean since it is very fine, and over a series of weeks and months, this sludge forms a mass at the bottom of your gutters, making them harder to clean and making it easier for sticks and larger debris to accumulate in the gutters.
Will Gutter Filters Stop the Gutter Sludge Monster?
The gutter filter looks like mesh or an insert you place into your gutters, perfect for reducing the sludge that accumulates in your gutters. Do you want to trap this sludge in the net? You might be in luck, but unfortunately, like many nets, if you capture too much in it, the net no longer works. The holes get clogged, and sludge accumulates on top of the gutter filter.
Can Gutter Cleaning Remove Gutter Sludge?
If you’re diligent about gutter cleaning, you can keep your gutters relatively free of sludge. You need to clean them regularly throughout the fall and spring seasons when leaves and blossoms and even pollen collect in the gutters. Your cleaning should be thorough and involve cleaning the bottom of the gutters as well. If you just pull out the leaves, you’re probably leaving the sludge in the bottom of the gutter. However, when you clean your gutters regularly, you either need to pay someone to do the job or get up on a ladder yourself. This costs you time and money, and it can be dangerous.
How Can Gutter Covers Reduce Sludge Accumulation?
One of the best ways to conquer the sludge monster is to install gutter covers. These covers allow leaves and even fine debris to slide off the edge of the gutters instead of sliding into the gutter. Gutter covers allow water to cling to the cover and move down into the gutter, while debris moves off the edge. This reduces the need to do gutter maintenance so you need not pay someone to clean your gutters or get up on a ladder to battle that sludge yourself.
When you’re looking for gutter solutions, contact Lednor Home Solutions. We’re here to make homeowners’ lives easier. From gutter covers to gutter heat, we’ll help you keep the gutter monsters at bay.
