Are You Ready for a Long, Wet Winter in the Pacific Northwest? Check This Out

When you think of areas of the country like Seattle, what comes to mind? Why, rain of course and historically, lots of it! Just 33 miles away and to the south along the I-5 corridor lies Tacoma, the ‘other’ city in Sea-Tac airport. Are you one of millions who never understood the name? Now, knowing the relationship and the close proximity of the two cities, Seattle being the larger of course, you can understand just how important it is to prepare for a long, wet winter.

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A Rose by Any Other Name Is Still Seattle

For as long as anyone can remember, Seattle has been called the Emerald City. In fact, slogans from the city often refer to it as such, but in more recent years, you will hear Seattle referred to as the ‘Rainy City.’ Is there any reason why that should come as a surprise? It rains more than half the days of each year and perhaps that’s why it is also called the Emerald City? Those lovely rains keep the area green and clean. Whether you refer to the Sea-Tac area as the Rainy City or the Emerald City, a rose by any other name is still a rose. All that rain should count for something!

The ‘Other’ Side of Rainy Days

Yes, all those winter, spring and summer rains do keep the area green and beautiful – God’s Country as it is also called – but there is another side to all that rain which isn’t so lovely for homeowners in the area. What happens when leaves begin to fall in late September? Homeowners need to be aware of what wet leaves piling up in gutters can do to their roofing systems. Not only can the sheer weight alone cause gutters to detach from the roof, but holes can quickly let rainwater seep through, making its way to cracks in walls and down into the very foundation. There can be devastating results if leaves aren’t kept out of gutters and that should be a priority at least twice a year.

How to Keep Gutters Cleaned of Debris

Tens of thousands of people are injured each and every year attempting to do DIY home maintenance and repairs. In dry weather it is difficult enough to safely climb ladders to clean debris from gutters and the rooftop, now can you imagine how tricky it can be on a rainy or misty day? Unless you have safety harnesses and other types of rappelling gear to ensure your safety, it might be best to call in a roofing company that could keep your roofing system free of debris.

Summer months aren’t as rainy and wet as those months between October and May, so don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. If your gutters and roof aren’t cleared before the wet and often icy weather sets in, your entire roof could come tumbling down in bits and pieces along the way. Are you ready for a long, wet winter in the Pacific Northwest? If not, you’ll probably come to rue the day.