Homeownership requires that we maintain the exterior of our houses in order to ensure their longevity. People tend to think about performing these chores, such as cleaning gutters, in the spring and fall of the year, times of renewal and preparation for the seasons to come.
Gutters are important parts of our home’s defense system, providing channels that direct water flow off and away from our home. Unfortunately, these systems can only work well if they are free from debris and damage, making adding gutter cleaning and repair an important task to your seasonal home chores.
Keeping gutters in working condition has benefits that many do not realize. Of course, it decreases the chance of water damage to your roof and home, especially after heavy rains, but it can be more complicated than that. There are some other little-known consequences of not keeping gutters in good working order that can have big effects on your home.
Gutters that are filled with leaves and debris create a tempting habitat for a variety of pests such as mice, mosquitos, squirrels, roaches, and other bugs. Once these pests begin making homes in gutters, they can begin to infest the roof eaves, and other parts of our home, creating damage along their way.
Damaged and clogged gutters can also cause cracks and holes to develop in the home’s foundation and walls, making perfect entrances for pests and mold. These problems can persist to entail damage to the very foundation of the home, causing costly repairs and threatening the safety of the structure.
If clogged gutters begin to erode the soil around and away from the home, foundation shifting is possible, as well as drowned landscaping and grass lawns. This flooding can proceed to basements and lead to cracks in walls and chimneys that can be expensive to correct.
Also expensive to repair or replace a damaged roof. Water damage can quickly compromise the roof, leading to leaks and structural disrepair that can mean major reconstruction. This can be especially significant in climates where snow and ice can build up in gutters, melting slowly and creating breakage that can lead to water-soaked joints and overhangs.
There are many reasons to keep your home’s gutter system clean, and several ways to do so. Leaf blowers can be used, although this can be cumbersome and difficult to maneuver in high places. You can also grab the ladder and hand clean along the gutters to remove debris, mildew, and mold, however, this can be a tedious and time-consuming job.
Hiring a professional gutter cleaning professional to come two or three times a year, or on an as-needed basis, can free your mind of worry and leave you with time for other chores. My Window Washing provides experienced and professional technicians to clean your property’s gutters, as well as wash windows and siding and other needs you may have. Making your gutters a priority when it comes to maintenance and cleaning will keep your home in shape for years to come.