Gutter cleaning is one of those household chores that no one wants to do but everyone has to do. Whether you’re feeling a bit lazy or you’re just not ready to tackle that project, you may consider skipping it altogether. What happens if you don’t clean out your gutters? It can’t be that bad, right?
Before you bypass this task completely, check out the costly dangers of not cleaning your gutters.
Foundation Damage and Basement Leaks
At first glance, it may seem like your gutters have nothing to do with your foundation. That is far from the case though. Gutters serve as the primary drainage systems around your home. If they are not directing water away from the home, that water ends up pooling around your foundation. This can cause the foundation to shift, or it can create pressure around the base of your home. If you have a basement, unmanaged water can lead to big leaks.
All of these issues can be mitigated with something as simple as gutter cleaning. If your gutters have water flowing through them and away from your house, your foundation is safe! You could be saving thousands of dollars in repairs with a simple gutter cleaning service.
Wood Rot and Water Damage
When it rains, water is supposed to flow off your roof and through the gutters. If the gutters are clogged, that water may stay on the roof or around the trim of your home. This can cause wood rot, mold and other forms of water damage. If the gutters are clear, the rain can flow away as needed.
Broken or Bent Gutters
Debris piling up in your gutters puts a lot of strain on them. Even if you have seamless gutters, the pressure from the clog can bend them over time. If you do not have seamless gutters, the joints quickly become weak points from the leaves and twigs in the gutters. This changes the course of water when it rains, which leads to the problems mentioned above.
Landscaping and Pest Control Issues
Pests love warm, wet climates that are left unattended. That’s why you may see a flurry of critters when you clean leaf piles in your yard. Stagnant water and debris in your gutters is a magnet for unwanted pests.
The water flowing over your gutters could also damage the landscaping below. If the gutters eventually break or the debris within falls out, whatever rests below is going to get hit. You’re much better off making sure the gutters are cleaned than dealing with the aftermath of neglect.
How Often Should I Clean My Gutters?
The general rule for gutter cleaning is to clean twice a year: once before fall and once at the end of fall. However, some homes require quarterly gutter cleaning. It all depends on the trees around your property and where your gutters are placed. Gutter guards could drastically reduce your gutter cleaning needs.
Sargent Gutters & Siding offers professional gutter cleaning, as well as gutter guard installation and gutter replacement services. Give us a call at (800) 465-7460 to schedule your no obligation consultation.
