Neglected gutters are a huge problem for many people across the nation. The importance of keeping them clean is necessary to prevent damage to your home. If you neglect cleaning your gutters, it can cause damage such as roof leaks, foundation damage, wood damage, and safety hazards. Here is a more in-depth scenario to put it into perspective.
Roof Leaks And Wood Damage
Almost everywhere you live, there is a chance that it will rain or snow. If you do not properly clean out your gutters, the rain can easily seep into your roof, and to the sidings of the house. It can cause wood decay, thus creating leaks in the roof.
The extra moisture that is brought from the gutter itself makes its way into the wood, where the decay and rotting starts. After the wood is fully drenched, it will start to leak into your home, causing a lot of damage that would need to be fixed. All of these issues roofers find on rooftops all the time.
Foundation Damage
If the wood starts to rot on your home from neglected care on your gutters, then as the wood rots away, it can end up going into the foundation of the home. To top that off, if the gutters are full of debris, there can be an overflow of rain that pours down onto your yard, thus falling into the actual foundation itself.
If your foundation is damaged, then you could be looking at a home that might have to be demolished, because it cannot be inhabited. That’s not to mention the huge bill you would have to pay to correct the problem, if it can even be corrected.
Yard Damage
An overflow of the gutters can allow the weather to damage your yard. Since gutters are built to direct the excess water flow to an area where it can be dispersed, the improper care of them would stop that and cause damage to the yard.
The rain and snow can flow into a pathway that directs the water into the house, or even into the yard, causing potholes. This could also create damage when the winter months come and freezing temperatures set in.
The frost can make its way into your home or yard, forming ice dams and freeze damage. Over time, the improper care of the gutters can lead to tripping hazards on pathways, because of buildup.
Clean Your Gutters Regularly
If you decide you don’t want to have to spend that extra money, then cleaning your gutters on a regular basis would be smart. Even having small leaves and twigs in there can cause blockage, which can cause some of the damage that is listed above.
Some people get their gutters cleaned out twice a year, and then some do it every six months. However, it would be best to get them cleaned at least once a month, if not more, depending on the weather.
Preventive maintenance is key when it comes to the gutters of your home. So make sure you get them inspected regularly, so you won’t have future problems with your beloved home.
Last Thoughts
In conclusion, getting the proper care and maintenance on your gutters is essential for the longevity of your roof and home. It will allow you to keep an eye on your home that you worked so hard to get. It will save you tons of money in the end, and will also keep your yard from becoming a mud pit, or worse, a safety hazard.
All of these damage points are hard and expensive to deal with, if you have to replace or repair any damage that is caused by the gutters. Therefore, make sure you get them inspected and cleaned, if not by you, then by a professional, every so often.
When was the last time you checked your gutters? You will not be disappointed if you have them cleaned or inspected, so go check them now. If you need help, call a professional that would be happy to help you right away. Professionals have seen the damage that can be caused by the neglect of cleaning gutters.
