For some, it is a great summer job earning a little extra cash; for others, it is an annoying chore that you must do seemingly all too often. Cleaning your gutters is vital in keeping your gutters healthy; they are vital to the overall health of your home. When gutters get clogged, water can build up on your roof. If water builds up on your roof, you could have serious problems much bigger than clogged gutters.
This article will explain some of the benefits of gutter cleaning and why it is so important to maintain your gutters. So, if you dread cleaning your gutters, read on to see why not cleaning your gutters is a bad idea!
Prevents water damage
This might be the best reason to clean your gutters. As mentioned above, if water builds up on your roof, it could cause serious damage. How serious? Well, that depends on how long the water stays on your roof. If it is there long enough, it could start to cause leaks, which could then cause water damage to your roof or, even worse, the inside of your home. If there are leaves on the roof causing leaks, you need to fix that sooner than later, and the best way to do that is to clean your gutters.
Protects your foundation
Yes, gutters protect your roof, but they also protect your home's foundation. Gutters effectively move water away from the base of your home and prevent any pooling that could result from heavy rains. This is especially true in rainy climates and snowy climates. Snow melt can cause quite a bit of damage if you don't clean your gutters frequently enough!
Keeps the critters away
A stuffed gutter is a great place for rodents and pests to live. Think about it. It's full of leaves and other goodies for rodents and pests. While this might not seem like a big problem, it can have serious consequences. Rodents and pests that live in your gutter can eventually find their way into your home, which could leave you with a rodent or a pest infestation. So, if you're wondering how often should gutters be cleaned, the answer is often enough to keep the pests away! (In all seriousness, you should clean them twice a year.)
Extends gutter lifespan
Gutters are not the most expensive to replace in your home, but they are still an unwanted expense if they don't last as long as you expected. Different materials will last for different lengths of time, but no matter the material, you want to get the full life out of it. When gutters get clogged, they take on the weight of the water and debris inside of them, thus damaging them. Accumulated water can also lead to rusting or deterioration. Because of this, you want to clean your gutters twice a year or expect to have to buy some new ones!
Prevents flooding
As mentioned, gutters move water away from your home, not just off your roof. You need these to perform this function because if water pools around your house, it will do its darndest to get into your home. Clogged gutters can lead to a basement flood, which can be expensive. Not only do you have to consider the value of everything lost in the flood, but you must also consider the costs of pumping out your basement and restoring it after the flood.
It's good for your wallet
You may not think it, but a clean gutter will add more curb appeal to your home than a clogged and dirty gutter. Proper and routinely cared-for gutters should blend into the home instead of dirty gutters that stick out like a sore thumb. This is especially important if you are looking to sell your home.
Clean gutters also prevent big expenses! Leaks, floods, and any other form of home damage can be expensive, but by doing your due diligence, you can avoid that altogether.
Voiding your warranty
Neglecting to clean your gutters may void your warranty. Many manufacturers include maintenance requirements in their warranty terms, stating that regular gutter cleaning is necessary. By failing to clean your gutters as recommended, you may unintentionally breach the terms of your warranty, leaving you responsible for repair or replacement costs. Prioritize gutter cleaning to protect your warranty coverage.
Remember to refer to your warranty's specific terms and conditions to understand the maintenance requirements and keep your gutters in proper working condition.
If you are looking for a gutter clean service or have questions about maintenance, please contact Findlay Roofing today!
