Gutter Cleaning is a crucial home maintenance task that keeps your roof, sidings, foundations, and basements safe and secure. It also helps your property’s curb appeal.
Clogged gutters are breeding grounds for pests like rodents and mosquitoes. The stagnant water they contain fuels mold and mildew growth which can cause breathing problems. Read on to find out more.
Water Damage
When gutters are clogged, water can overflow and seep under the house, damaging shingles, drywall, wood framing, carpet, and other materials. This can also encourage mold, mildew, and rot.
Without regular cleaning, leaves, twigs, seeds, bird nests, and other debris accumulate inside the gutter system. These build up and create blockages, inhibiting the gutters’ ability to direct water away from the house.
In addition, clogged gutters can cause erosion and sweep mud and dirt onto the roof, damaging shingles. Having your gutters cleaned regularly can save you from expensive repairs and maintenance. If getting on a ladder to scoop out rotting leaves and other debris from your gutters sounds like a pain, consider hiring a professional. Professionals can clean and flush your gutters and downspouts, remove soil from the roof, inspect for and repair loose gutter spikes, and more. Plus, they’ll make sure to practice ladder safety. For the best results, try to schedule your gutter cleaning services in spring and fall before rainy weather arrives.
Pest Infestation
Gutter debris like leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other organic material provide pests with an abundant food source. The nutrient-rich mixture also serves as an ideal breeding ground. Rodents like mice and rats love to nest in clogged gutters. Their presence can jeopardize your home’s foundation, roof, siding, and other important structures.
Standing water and clogged gutters can also attract mosquitoes, who thrive in stagnant water. Moreover, they lay their eggs in the accumulated decomposing matter, making your gutters an ideal breeding ground.
Gutter cleaning prevents insects and rodents from taking up residence around your house. In addition, clean gutters effectively transport rainwater away from your house. This protects your driveway, yard, and landscaping from waterlogged earth, weed growth, and other unwanted effects of unattended gutters. It also eliminates unsightly stains and mildew growth that can significantly diminish your home’s curb appeal. In addition, it reduces the risk of rot and other costly roof repairs.
Health Hazards
Gutter cleaning exposes you to dangerous bacteria that can enter your body through cuts, scratches, and exposed skin. This bacteria includes the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which causes tetanus. This can be contracted when contaminated water makes contact with your skin, eyes, or mouth.
Clogged gutters can also attract rodents and insects. The pests are drawn to the standing water and decomposing leaves and twigs, which provide ideal breeding conditions. This can cause serious damage to your home and health issues for you and your family.
Falling off a ladder is another major risk that comes with gutter cleaning. It can result in serious injury and even death. Professional gutter cleaners have the equipment and training to safely and efficiently clean your gutters. They can also inspect and clear your drains and downspouts to ensure they’re unobstructed. This will prevent clogs and help your gutter system function properly. It will also improve your home’s curb appeal and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Mold Growth
Mold and mildew thrive in damp conditions, making clogged gutters an ideal breeding ground for these fungi. As the spores multiply, they can infiltrate your living spaces and trigger respiratory problems for individuals with preexisting conditions such as asthma or COPD.
In addition, clogged gutters can cause rot to fascia boards and walls and create cracks in the wall or ceiling of your home. In some cases, this deterioration can lead to the need for gutter replacement.
Regular gutter cleaning is an effective way to protect your health and the value of your home. Gutter cleaning professionals use specialized tools to remove debris and flush out the gutter system, preventing the accumulation of mold and other contaminants. This service also extends the lifespan of your gutter system and reduces the risk of damage from water intrusion. In addition, professional services can help you determine if the condition of your gutters is causing structural issues that could pose a threat to your home. Continue reading the next article.