If your gutters are leaking, it may be a sign of bigger problems – while it may seem like a patch-up job will fix the problems, often leaking is just the tip of the iceberg. As the saying goes, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And by the same virtue, where there are leaks, there is often rust, which means the gutter is deteriorating.

In these cases, it becomes a question of whether it’s worth repairing the gutters, or if it’s more cost-effective in the long run to invest in replacement gutters. Francis Plumbing can help you evaluate and provide quotes for the best options to suit your needs.

Gutter Cleaning:

People don't often stop to think of the issues that can arise from clogged gutters, but there are actually many. If water is not able to properly flow away from your house, then damage can result in a number of different locations, from your roofing to your foundation. There are number of reasons to make sure that your gutters get cleaned out. Here is a look at six of those reasons.

• Roof Damage
  When leaves and other debris clog up your gutters to the point that water is flooding over, you can end up having issues with rot on your roofing. This is one of the main reasons that it's important to keep your gutters clean.
• Keep Out Pests
  Clogged up gutters can be appealing to a number of critters as a nesting site. From birds to mosquitoes, a bed of damp leaves can be alluring.

* Roof Damage
When leaves and other debris clog up your gutters to the point that water is flooding over, you can end up having issues with rot on your roofing. This is one of the main reasons that it's important to keep your gutters clean.

2)Keep Out Pests

Clogged up gutters can be appealing to a number of critters as a nesting site. From birds to mosquitoes, a bed of damp leaves can be alluring.

3)Damage to Fascia

The fascia is that board that runs right behind your gutter. Overflowing water can damage this important component of your gutter system

4)Overwatering Garden Beds

If your gutters become clogged to the point that water is spilling over the side and into your garden beds, you can damage your plants' health by essentially drowning them. Overwatering can be as harmful as not watering enough.

5)Cracks in Foundation

If water overflows and pools along your home's foundation, it can end up freezing, which can cause it to expand and generate cracks in your foundation.

6)Damage to Brackets

Clogged gutters are holding too much weight, which can result in damage to the brackets.

By maintaining your gutters health and keeping them clean and flowing will in the long run save you money from damage repairs. Call us today to have your gutter cleaning taken care of.

Gutter Guard:

The benefits of gutter guards are far reaching and can prevent you from having to tackle what could be a dangerous task. Gutter guards can drastically reduce the amount of maintenance you have to perform on your home.

Some benefits of having gutter guard installed include:

Save Time & Money:

Gutter guards prevent debris and leaves from accumulating in your gutters and clogging up the system. If you do not have gutter guards, you will eventually have to clean your gutters or have them cleaned by a professional. In either case, this takes time and money. With gutter guards, you can reduce the number of times your gutters need to be cleaned. It's suggested to have your gutters cleaned at least twice a year. However, if you have gutter guards, you may be able to reduce the number of gutter cleanings significantly.

Avoid Mice and Insect Infestations

Did you know one of the key benefits of gutter guards is they can stop vermin and insects, such as bats, birds, mice, mosquitoes, and spiders from breeding in your gutters? Simply put, gutter guards will minimizes the amount of stagnant water sitting in your gutters.With less stagnant water, your home will become unattractive and more difficult for birds, vermin and insects to use your gutters as a breeding ground. Additionally, gutter guards work as a physical barrier to possums, birds, and rodents, which will otherwise navigate their way behind the fascia boards and into the roof space of your home.

Helps Alleviate Ice Dams and Gutter Freezing

If water gets trapped in your gutter during the winter, it can freeze and result in ice dams. Although gutter guards alone may not prevent ice dams, gutter guards will prevent debris from accumulating in your gutters, which may alleviate ice dams.

Fire Protection

Is your home located in an area prone to bush and brushfires? If so, gutter guards will offer added fire protection. During a fire, embers can easily travel a long distance. If those embers come into contact with the dry leaves and debris in your gutters, it can quickly ignite into a fire and quickly spread. Certain types of gutter guards will protect your home by acting as a physical barrier between debris and lighted embers.

Prevent Premature Rust and Corrosion

When moisture ridden leaves and debris sits in your gutters, it increases the likelihood of rust and/or corrosion forming in your gutters. Gutter guards are designed to prevent leaves, pine needles, and other debris from accumulating in your gutters. As a result, gutter guards can help extend the life of your gutters with rust and corrosion prevention.

Improve Gutter Water Flow

Installing gutter guards can bolster the flow of water through your downspouts and gutters because they prevent them from clogging up. This can be an excellent benefit of gutter guards especially if you have a rainwater tank.The guards will help your tank refill more quickly when it rains. Your tank will have cleaner water that is more filtered of contaminants and debris.

Stop Blockages

If your gutters overflow during periods of heavy rain, they may be clogged or blocked and would benefit from gutter guards. Overflowing gutters are dangerous because this can allow water to cause damage to your foundation or cause water to enter your home. Additionally, gutters that overflow can also result in those unsightly stains on the exterior of your home.