When Plain gutters fill up
Tree species common in the region include broadleaf sugar maple, red maple, bur oak, hickory, American elm, white pine, and spruce. In Plain, Ohio, these trees drop heavy loads of fallen leaves, maple seed wings, acorns, and pine needles into gutter systems. Leaf drop usually peaks in mid October, quickly clogging channels before winter arrives. Freezing nights happen throughout the local winter, making ice dams in gutters a real problem when trapped water expands. Heavy snow then puts extra weight on clogged channels, threatening the roof edge. We recommend cleaning gutters at least twice a year, spring and fall, to maintain clear drainage channels before winter freezes set in.