The first and most obvious reason for keeping those gutters clean is that it improves drainage. When the gutter fills with leaves, needles, and other debris they can back up and cause water damage to the roof, the exterior, and the interior of your home. Let’s face it. Most people don’t think about their gutter system until they stop working correctly. But the fact is, the gutters on your home serve a critical service and they require maintenance and care to perform their job appropriately. Regular maintenance on your home goes a long way to preserving the value of your investment. And a well maintained gutter system has a lot to do with maintaining the good condition of your roof, walls, foundation and landscape. But if neglected, gutters can turn from a necessity to a nightmare.