- No.1 - Protect Your Roof
- No.2 - Prevent Damage to Your Foundation
- No.3 - Avoid Pest Problems
- No.4 - Keep Your Garden Safe
- No.5 - Maintain Your Curb Appeal
When it comes to household chores, you most likely think of vacuuming, dusting, washing linens, and cutting the grass.
When was the last time you added “cleaning gutters” to your to-do list? If you can’t remember, there’s a good chance that it’s been a while.
The thought of getting out the ladder and cleaning debris out of your gutters may be a pain. You haven’t noticed any issues, so what’s the harm in putting the chore off another few weeks?
The truth is that the longer you procrastinate cleaning out your gutters, the greater the risk of serious harm.
Here are five essential reasons why you need to clean your gutters regularly:
No.1 – Protect Your Roof
Your gutters collect water as it rolls off of your roof. They then direct the water to your downspouts, releasing it to the ground away from your home.
However, if your gutters are clogged with leaves and other debris, the water can get trapped in the gutters and pool. This can lead to cracked and warped shingles.
When your shingles are damaged, rainwater can travel underneath. These leaks, which may start small, can lead to serious problems. Wood under the shingles can begin to rot.
Leaks in your roof can eventually lead to leaks inside your home. You may start to notice discoloration in your ceiling or water dripping onto your floor.
Not only are you faced with roof repairs, but then you also have to deal with repairs to your ceiling and possibly your floor as well.
No.2 – Prevent Damage to Your Foundation
One of the functions of your gutters is to keep water away from your foundation. If they’re clogged up, they can’t do this job properly.
Over time, the water collecting in your gutters begins to spill over the edges, right up against the sides of your home. The excess moisture can eventually cause cracks in your foundation and weaken it substantially.
Not only that, but cracks in the foundation can result in basement flooding. A damaged foundation can be expensive to fix and can prevent you from being able to sell your house in the future.
No.3 – Avoid Pest Problems
The water collecting in your gutters can attract a variety of unwanted pests.
It provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The leaves and debris can attract rodents and birds to build nests. Some pests that come for the water may end up inside of your home.
Soon, you may find yourself dealing with a termite or Oriental Cockroach infestation. Keeping your gutters clean is essential for deterring any pests from turning your home into theirs.
No.4 – Keep Your Garden Safe
Many homeowners like to plant flowers along the outside of their homes. You can spend a significant amount of time designing your garden, choosing the right flowers, and giving them the care that they need to grow.
If your gutters begin to overflow due to clogs, your flowers can become overwatered, which can drown them.
The water may even wash out your garden. All of your hard work would be destroyed.
No.5 – Maintain Your Curb Appeal
Your gutters are a part of your home.
How they look affects the overall aesthetic of your home’s exterior. Over time, dirty gutters can become heavy.
Saturated leaves and debris can put too much stress on the brackets holding your gutters in place. This can cause the brackets to break and the gutters to bow. Even if the brackets hold up, the effects of clogged gutters can be seen on the ground around the outside of your house.
Neglecting your gutters can result in serious damage to your home, which can then lead to expensive repairs.
At the very least, you should clean your gutters twice a year. You may need to clean yours more frequently depending upon certain factors such as the number and types of trees in your yard.
While it might seem like an annoying chore, keeping your gutters clean is essential for protecting your home and avoiding the need for potentially major (and expensive) repairs.
