How Atlanta’s Humidity Can Contribute to Gutter Issues
Atlanta receives an average humidity level of 68%, making it only 8% lower than the most humid city in the U.S (New Orleans).
Atlanta residents don’t need to be reminded of how humid it can get, especially in the throes of summer. Atlanta homeowners should therefore be aware of the damage humidity can have on gutters, and vice versa, what poor gutter maintenance can do to exacerbate the humidity in your home.
In this article, we’ll get into the specifics of why Atlanta homeowners should keep a close eye on their gutters, especially in August, the most humid month of the year in the ATL.
How Atlanta’s Humidity Can Contribute to Gutter Issues
Ned Stevens recommends that Atlanta homeowners clean their gutters 6 times per year.
- Once each winter
- Once each spring
- Once each summer
- Three times each fall
The reason why Ned Stevens recommends three gutter cleanings in Fall is because of the number of leaves being shed and flying around in the Atlanta autumn breeze. More than enough of them end up in the gutters of Atlanta homeowners to require three cleanings in Fall.
With August being the most humid time of year, and with fall being the highest priority for gutter cleaning, there is an overlap in late summer and early fall in which Atlanta homeowners’ gutters are at risk of being damaged by the combination of leaves and humidity.
When leaves get wet, they can weigh up to four times more than when they are dry. This means that the longer the leaves stay in your gutters, the more humidity they are collecting which causes them to weigh more. If allowed to clog significantly, it can lead to a scenario in which the weight of the leaves and the blockage of water damages the pitch of your gutter system.
Pitch, which is the slope of the gutter away from the home, is set at an industry standard of a half inch for every 10 feet of gutter. The purpose is to ensure proper drainage across the whole gutter system. When leaves settle and block one or more sections of the gutter, the clog will negatively affect that pitch. When the pitch of gutters get compromised, it usually leads to an overflow of water into the house which can damage the roof, foundation, patio, and more.
All this to say, Atlanta homeowners should mark the August to September transition in their calendars are remember three key things:
- Leaves get heavier when they’re wet.
- August is the wettest month in Atlanta.
- The time you’re expected to collect the most leaves in your gutters is Fall.
This means prioritizing gutter cleaning during this time is key. This is why Ned Stevens offers service plans so Atlanta homeowners can dial in their maintenance for the year and know that their house will be protected from heavy leaves caused by rain and humidity.
How Poor Gutter Maintenance Can Affect Your Home’s Humidity Levels
One of the battles Atlanta homeowners experience is dehumidifying their home to maintain a dry and comfortably arid climate in their home. High humidity can be very bad for your home’s integrity, and sometimes make it feel hotter inside than it is outside.
The interior of your home is at risk if the humidity goes untreated. High humidity in the home can lead to swelling in the wood, can encourage the growth of mold and mildew in the home, and can rust metals in the home.
Proper gutter maintenance can help lower humidity levels in the house dramatically. If your gutters are not performing their core duties, which is to deflect water away from the home’s foundation, then the adverse is happening and it’s worsening.
Summary
As we get into the hot summer months, Atlanta residents should keep a sharp eye on their gutters, and pay attention to the humidity in their homes. Preserving the short-term, and long-term health of the home is Ned Stevens’ commitment to our clients. This is why we’ve received an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, and serve Atlanta and the greater Georgia area.
Call today to receive a free quote from a licensed professional, or to ask about our service plans which can help you prepare for the August to September transition. Protect your home and your gutters as we track towards the most vulnerable time of the year for Atlanta’s gutter systems.