From March through May, wind across the mesa carries sand, dust and the occasional tumbleweed. Much of it lands on roofs and washes into gutters with the next rain. Unlike leaves, sand does not blow back out. It settles and builds up in a layer that slows the water and eventually blocks downspouts.
What wind does to gutters
- Fills the gutter bottom with sand and roof grit.
- Pushes tumbleweeds and debris into corners and outlets.
- Works loose any gutter that is hung with spikes instead of screws.
- Lifts poorly fastened guards and downspout extensions.
What helps
- Fine stainless mesh guards, which stop sand that coarse screens let through.
- Screw-in hidden hangers on close spacing.
- Downspout straps at the top, middle and bottom.
- A yearly cleaning after the spring wind and before the monsoon.
If your gutters look full of dirt each spring, that is normal here. The goal is to get it out before July.
Questions about your home? Call (505) 431-4358 for a free estimate.
