Why pollen and gutters are a bad combination

Now that spring has officially arrived that means so has pollen. Allergy season is a tough time to manage for those that know the annual battle once the seasons change over. However, you are not the only one being affected by it, and so are your gutters. With the help of the wind pollen 

likes to make a comfy home wherever it can, meaning your roof and gutters.  

Let’s go over the impact that pollen can have on your gutters and what you can do to protect them.  

Can Pollen Be a Threat to Your Home?

The arrival of spring brings warmer weather and new beggings. Early flowers are just beginning to peek out from the hard winter ground and the trees are starting to bud. New plant and tree growth brings with it the promise of longer days and summer to come. It also brings with it the promise of allergy season. That greenish/yellow dusting of pollen on our cars, houses, and outdoor surfaces can be annoying at best and damaging at worst. Many of us recognize the signs of spring allergy season as we suffer from itchy eyes and runny noses. But did you know that your gutters can show signs of pollen vulnerability as well? Read on to find out how that yellow pollen covering your home is not only insightful but can cause damage to your gutters and roofing as well.  

Spring Allergy Season and Your Gutters

Higher temperatures and rising levels of carbon dioxide create ideal conditions for the increase of pollen production. As a result, we are experiencing progressively lengthened allergy seasons, having increased by as much as twenty-seven days over the past decade. Researchers also say that the increase in flooding in certain parts of the country can leave behind impactful levels of mold, adding to the pollen count. 

 

Spring pollen, and the rising menace it brings, are not only concerns for us but also for our homes. When pollen is rehearsed into the air, it naturally lands on surfaces as its main mode of pollination. The roof of your home, with its large amount of surface area, is showered with pollen particles for the entirety of the allergy season. All that extra pollen, dust, and flowering buds can lead to lasting damage to our homes and gutter systems if not maintained properly. In addition to creating a higher risk of gutter obstruction due to the sheer amount of extra material that is washed off your roof, pollen can pose risks just by sitting there.  

Certain types of tree pollen, for example, are acidic. When this acidic pollen mixes with moisture, it can start to oxidize and eat away at any surface. This process does not even require rain and can be activated by high humidity. Dry conditions can cause equal damage to your gutters as they can cause build-up leading to clogs and obstructions down the road.  

Protect Your Gutters From Spring Allergies

Remember that pollen is not the only threat your gutters are facing this Spring season. Debris buildup from the winter and fall needs to be cleared so your home is safely prepared for the seasonal spring showers. So, do not get lazy on your inspections during the springtime. You already made it through the winter and all those leaves in the fall! However, upon your inspection, if you find that your gutters are not operating properly contact Pro Exteriors! Our team is skilled and knowledgeable to install a new gutter system in a quick and easy fashion.  

Contact Pro Exterior for Your Gutter Needs!

Your gutters are vital to ensuring that your foundation and home are safe during each season and the elements they bring. If you are suspicious that your gutters are no longer operating as they should reach out to us directly! You can get a hold of us by calling us at 302-664-1700 or by filling out a contact form on our website!

 

Contact Pro Exteriors Today!

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