When Berlin gutters fill up
Trees common in the region, such as sugar maple, red maple, bur oak, hickory, American elm, white pine, and spruce, drop heavy organic waste into local gutters. Leaves, maple seed wings, acorns, and pine needles accumulate rapidly throughout the year. Leaf drop usually peaks in early October, filling channels right before winter sets in. Cold Wisconsin winters bring freezing nights, heavy snow, and severe ice dams in gutters when trapped water freezes near the roof edge. Trapped debris holds moisture against the roof, expanding as ice and damaging structural seams. We recommend a gutter cleaning at least twice a year, spring and fall, to clear summer seeds and fall leaves.