Gutter Slime, Sludge and Silt: What Causes Them to Form?

Gutters prevent water from pooling on your roof and overflowing to the rest of your home’s exterior. They also affect how your property looks, so you might be concerned when there’s a brown or green material on their surface. Slime, sludge or silt is more likely to build up in your gutters in the fall. 

A local GAF roofer explains what causes these slime issues and how to deal with them.

What Causes Gutter Slime, Sludge and Silt?

Leaves, twigs, seeds and other debris will eventually travel to your gutters. Over time, these organic materials will decompose and cause sludge to build up. Gutter sludge is also often made up of algae and moss. Since it’s extremely fine, it could be a challenge to remove. You want to eliminate sludge immediately because it can make gutter cleaning difficult. It will also cause larger debris to get stuck and accumulate in your gutters. 

What Can You Do About It?

Schedule Regular Gutter Cleaning

You can avoid sludge in your gutters with regular cleaning. It keeps your gutters efficient and helps prolong their life. Experts recommend having them cleaned at least twice a year, preferably during spring and fall. 

Sometimes, cleaning and maintenance aren’t enough to restore the condition of your gutters. The time will come when you will need to get new ones. Whether you are looking for quality seamless gutters or need a snow removal service, Deschutes Roofing is here to help. 

Get a Gutter Protection System

Another thing that can help reduce the likelihood of sludge in your gutters is gutter guards. They will catch debris from the roof and keep them from entering your gutters. Besides preventing sludge, they will also keep your gutter system clog-free and make them easier to maintain. 

Turn to Deschutes Roofing for superior seamless gutter installation services. Our experienced team also specializes in attic insulation and snow dam removal. Call us at (541) 241-5720 (Bend), (503) 967-9590 (Portland), (541) 246-6860 (Eugene), (503) 468-7663 (Lake Oswego) or (503) 928-8750 (Beaverton). You can also fill out our contact form to get a free estimate