By Frank Santangelo
This past week, Somerville Department of Public works assigned work crews to clear the gutters at the West branch Library.
Why is it also important to clean out your gutters? While a gutter is very useful in directing rain water away from the house, it can accumulate dry leaves and other debris causing it to clog. When there is too much debris in the gutter it traps water causing the gutter to rust and break away. Additionally, if the water does not drain from the gutter it can lead to ice damming and damage, forcing you to replace the gutter. Many small animals and insects can also decide to build nests and homes among the debris accumulated in the gutter as well.