When was the last time you checked your gutter? If you cannot remember when maybe it is time for you to do it now. Even if they are not visible, your gutters play a vital role in the structural integrity of your house. Keeping them clean is the best way to avoid costly expense of gutter repairs.
A Gutter’s primary role is to direct rainwater away from your roof into the drain. Despite its importance, some homeowners forget about gutter maintenance until something happens. You don’t want to wait for bad things to take place before you attend to your clogged or broken gutters. If you ignore your damaged gutter, it could destroy the structure of your house and could cause health problems for your family with the build-up of mold from collecting moisture.
Regardless of what your gutters are made of, cast iron, pressed, steel, or plastic, they should be cleaned yearly so they can perform properly, and prevent the need for gutter repairs. If you keep your gutters free and clean, you can prevent the following problems:
Rotting Problem
If water remains in the gutter, it will drip down the side. Whether it is clogged up with debris or has pulled away from the house, the water must go somewhere. As a result, it drips down the side of the house. And because of this the side of the house may develop mold and/or rot, produce ice dams in winter, and become stained. It can cause the roof to rot too, adding to the cost of repairs.
Foundation Problems
The main role of the gutters is to direct water away from the home’s base and send it to the area where it can be absorbed. But when the gutters overflow or are broken, the water drips down producing cracks which can enter the foundation and/or basement. This can result in rot and mold indoors and can damage the foundation making the structure of your home unsteady which may result in a costly repair.
Pest Concerns
Mosquitoes, as well as other pests, love stagnant water. Gutters filled with debris can hold water to attract mosquitoes and flies. The worst thing that can happen is to expose your family to illnesses like West Nile. You will not have been able to enjoy your yard because of the possibility of getting bitten by bugs.
Final Thoughts
To avoid rot, foundation problems, and pest issues due to poorly maintained gutters, we suggest that you clean them out at least once a month. When cleaning gutters, don’t focus only on debris. Check for any signs of molds and make sure to get rid of that right away. If you are having a hard time getting rid of molds, you can hire a professional. Small fees for maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in repairs later on.
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