Gutters control rainwater flow to protect your garden, lawn, foundation, walls, and roof. When neglected, they can turn from a necessity to a nightmare.
Effect Of A Clogged Gutter
A gutter that is clogged with sticks, leaves, and other debris can result in a leaky roof and water damage to both the interior and exterior of your home. Clogged gutters are also a preferred habitat for rodents, pests, honeycombs from bee infestations, and mold.
Reasons Why You Need To Clean Your Gutters Regularly
There are many reasons why it is important to clean gutters regularly. Here are some of the reasons…
Prevent Roof Damage
Rain water flows from the roof into the gutters and then down the channel. But when the gutter is clogged, and water starts to pool inside it, it will start to accumulate at the bottom of the roof. This will eventually lead to damage of some of your roof shingles and can lead to cracks forming. The cracks formed in the roof can result in leaks in your home’s ceiling. The repairing of a rotted ceiling, damaged roof, or floor is a very expensive project you don’t want to encounter unexpectedly.
Prevent Basement Flooding
Dealing with basement flooding is no fun at all. And the common reason for basement flooding is clogged gutters! Overflowing water from the gutter will pool at the base of your home just above the basement. The foundation of your home will begin to deteriorate with time, and the water that has accumulated above the basement begins to flow into the basement. This can cause mildew or mold growth, and it will destroy carpet, paint, and any other decor or furniture in the basement.
Prevent The Risk Of A Cracked Foundation
The accumulated rain water that can flood or destroy a basement can also cause serious damage to the foundation of your home. A home without a durable foundation is not safe to live in.
When rainwater is hindered from traveling away from your home, it will pool around your home’s foundation. During the winter months pooled water starts to expand as it freezes; It will start cracking your foundation.
Prevent Pest Problems
Gutters that are clogged with leaves and other debris are desirable homes for insects, birds, and rodents. This problem will worsen if these pests find their way into your home through the gutter system. Regular gutter cleaning will help to destroy the potential occurrence of insect or rodent outbreaks.
Enhance The Aesthetic Appearance Of Your Home
The appearance of your home might not be the major reason for cleaning gutters, but doing so will enhance the overall aesthetic appearance of your home. Garbage that accumulates in the gutters can be seen from the front of a home. This makes your home appear rough or untidy.
Prevent Gutter Damage
Another issue caused by overflowing water and debris is damage to the gutters themselves. The strength of the aluminum that most gutters are made of will deteriorate as organic debris and materials accumulate.
Prevent Flooding Your Garden
Erosion that is caused by the incorrect flowing of water due to your gutters’ blockade not only harms your home’s foundation, but can also ruin your lawn and garden. Imagine that there is heavy rainfall or a thunderstorm and your gutters are not properly cleaned. The excess overflowing water from your roof will land on your garden beds, causing damages to your flowers and resulting in a muddy mess.
You can protect your beautiful lawn and garden by either hiring a professional gutter cleaning service or clearing out the gutters yourself.
Signs That Your Gutters Need To Be Cleaned
- Below are some signs that you need to clean your gutters…
- Plants are beginning to grow in your gutters
- You notice stains on your home’s siding
- Your gutters have begun to sag
- Water is spilling over the sides of your gutters
- You spot insects, birds, or other pests by your roof
- You can’t remember the last time you cleaned your gutters
Conclusion
A clean gutter aids in the regulation of water flow off your roof, passing it via a channel to a downspout that directs it away from your home’s exterior and foundation. If your gutters are clogged, and the water doesn’t flow as it ought to, then it means the water will remain in the gutter until it overflows and becomes heavy, making a mess. Born Carpentry knows all about gutters; If you need yours cleaned, fixed or replaced, Born Carpentry can do the job.
