As we come out of Winter and into the rainy season it is a wonderful time to clean out your gutters. Why, do gutters need to be cleaned? I’m so glad you asked! Whether the gutters are cleaned by you or a professional, the gutters of your home should be cleaned at least twice a year to prevent damage. Here are five reasons why cleaning your gutters prevents damage and makes for a happy and good looking home.
Clean gutters prevents damage to your home.
It is recommended that your gutters are cleaned twice a year. Doing this will avoid the risks of water damage. Not maintaining the gutters can cause damage on the exterior and interior of your home. Water travels the path of least resistance, it will trickle into any cracks in the exterior walls. This trickle may not seem like a big deal however, overtime it can cause mold in the walls and extensive water damage to your home.
Clogged gutters and downspouts push the water through the roofing structure since it has nowhere else to go. That can cause roof leaks and water damage in the attic and eventually come through the ceiling.
Clean gutters can prevent damage to the foundation.
Having clean gutters helps to prevent damage to your foundation. The gutter system on your home has a big responsibility. It protects the foundation from pooling water during heavy rainfall. Gutters will help move the bulk of the rain water away from the home. Having clean gutters will make sure the water is directed away from your foundation. Erosion and pooling water will weaken the foundation leading to cracks, settlement, and shifting. These issues are very expense to fix and would need immediate attention. Cleaning your gutters twice a year is a small price to pay to insure your foundation stays where it’s supposed to.
Clean gutters reduces pests and prevents damage created by
them.
Clogged and dirty gutters are very attractive for pests and rodents. Cleaning the gutters can prevent them from causing damage your home. Gross leaves, sticks, and debris is very attractive to pests, a regularly cleaned gutter is less attractive. Pests are not only a health hazard for your family they also cause damage to your home if left untreated. When your gutters are clean it prevents rot from occurring which is especially attractive to pests. So, clean those gutters, it will keep those pesky pests away…. most of the time anyways.
Clean gutters improve curb appeal.
Having clean gutters wont be the only factor that will sell your home or keep the HOA off your back however, keeping the gutters clean will give your home a fresh look. It shows you care for your home. This is especially attractive to buyers because they pay top dollar for a home that has been taken care of. Having clean gutters will not be the only good looking thing on your home. The absence of extensive water damage also looks very good to potential buyers. Your landscaping will look better, you wont have sagging gutters or water stained siding. Whether you are wanting to sell your home or have a beautiful home to come home to, clean gutters will get you there.
Conclusion
Taking an hour or two twice a year to clean your gutters will save you money from damage and give your home a nice clean look that you are happy to come home to. Just a little work now will do wonders to your home and keep it upright for generations to come. A kept home is a happy one!
Check out our blog on roofs here.