Gutter cleaning is one of the many responsibilities that come with owning a home. It also happens to be one of the most disliked. The chore is hectic and can be very messy. Yet, failing to maintain your gutter can be disastrous. Not only does it compromise the safety of your home, but it can also reduce the value of your property.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Gutters?
Ignoring your gutter maintenance duties can result in various issues. The worst part is, most of these issues usually appear out of nowhere, leaving you with an expensive bill that you must foot right away lest your home becomes uninhabitable.
Here are some of the common issues caused by poor or lack of gutter maintenance.
1. Leaks
If you don’t clean your gutter, leaves and other debris will pile up and block the system. This means water will accumulate on the gutter itself instead of draining away.
After some time, the water will start to overflow, and this is only the first part of a chain of events that can be costly.
2. Mold And Bug Infestation
The debris, stagnant water, and weather conditions lead to the decomposition of the leaves. This results in unsightly mold growth.
In some circumstances, the growth can spread and get into your home. This leaves you and your loved ones exposed to severe health hazards.
3. Roof Damage
Decomposed leaves are a source of food for bugs and pests. Therefore, leaving the debris in the gutter will attract pests of all kinds. These pests will move with the dirt, so if the mold gets into your home, so will the bugs.
4. Cracked Foundation
Water and ice accumulation in the gutters can compromise the integrity of your home’s foundation. This is a serious issue because it can lead to more severe and expensive damages.
5. Yard And Driveway Damage
Unclean gutters can damage your driveway and yard. The poor drainage will cause water to pool up, leading to mold growth. This will affect the plants in your yard. The mold will also make your driveway look terrible, plus it increases the risks of injuries.
How To Identify Roof Damage From The Dirty Gutter
Keeping your gutters clean is important, but you must also know how to identify potential damages in their early stages. This will help you fix developing issues before they escalate into bigger, more expensive damages.
Here are some of the things to look out for:
- Pooling – Pools of water around your driveway, lawn, and near the foundation are a sign of malfunctioning gutter drainage.
- Dripping gutter – Water dripping from your gutter is usually due to blocked drainage. Conduct further inspection and fix the issue immediately.
- Signs of mold and pests – If you notice mold and critters around your walls and attic, check the gutter for blockage. Then, fix the gutter and kill the mold right away.
- The water inside your home – Water pools inside your house or basement indicate a drainage problem. This is a serious sign because it puts your roofing and foundation at risk.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutter?
Various factors come into play here. The contractors who work with Dom Restoration & Roofing suggest cleaning your gutter at least twice per year. But, you must take into account the following consideration:
One, if you have trees such as pine around your roof, you may have to clean your gutters more frequently. That’s because pine trees are notorious for shedding lots of needles throughout the year.
Two, consider the capacity of your gutter. You can get away with a once-per-year cleaning routine if your gutter has a bigger capacity to hold more debris. But if yours is smaller, you’ll have to clean it more frequently.
The weather in your area can come into play as well. People living in places that rain or snow a lot have to check and clean their gutters regularly.
You should also adjust your cleaning schedule after severe weather conditions such as storms. That’s because storms can leave more debris on your roof and gutter.
How To Clean Your Gutters?
You can clean the gutters yourself or hire a professional to do the job for you. If you choose to do it yourself, wear the necessary protection and use a high-pressure hose to unclog the drainage.
If you notice mold around your gutter or walls, use bleach to kill and get rid of it. And if there are leaks in the gutter, apply a sealant.
That’s how to clean your gutters and maintain your roof. Consider investing in gutter guards to prevent debris from blocking your gutter. These will reduce the cleaning task significantly.
