Top Reasons to Clean Out Gutters Every Fall
Cleaning gutters regularly is crucial for keeping them in good shape and avoiding clogs that can wreak havoc on the house and the surrounding property. Fall is the perfect time to schedule a clean-up and prepare the gutters for the upcoming winter.
Here’s why cleaning gutters in the fall should top the list of any homeowner’s priorities.
Preventing water damage
Leaves and debris might not cause a lot of issues during dry weather. However, problems will start to arise with the first heavy rainstorm. Rainwater will not drain properly due to blockage in the gutters. As a result, the gutters will overflow, causing damage to the home’s interior and exterior. The overflow mainly affects the walls, siding, soffits, fascia, and the basement.
Protecting the roof
Gutters primarily serve to protect the roof from standing water. Without the gutters, the roof would deteriorate much faster. Clogged gutters are almost as bad as having zero gutters.
Since rainwater has nowhere to escape, it will spill onto the roof. This overflow will, in turn, lead to the roof leaking and developing mold and rot.
Keeping pests away
Clogged gutters represent an ideal breeding ground for various pests, such as insects, rodents, and birds. Many of these creatures carry dangerous diseases, so homeowners should avoid pest infestation.
Reducing the risk of foundation damage
A blocked gutter can’t perform its fundamental task—channeling the water away from the house. Without efficient gutters, the rainwater will slide down the roof and pool around the foundation. Besides eroding the surrounding ground, the pooling water can crack the house’s foundation after it expands and freezes in winter.
Saving money
Without a fall clean-up, debris will likely freeze during wintertime, thus becoming significantly heavier. As a result, the gutters will start to sag, leading to their coming loose entirely over time. If the gutters fall, they will require a costly reinstalment or replacement.
Faulty gutters will negatively affect other house elements, with the roof and foundation being the most expensive to repair or replace.
Preventive measures can help minimize the likelihood of dealing with such costly projects, thus saving homeowners money in the long run.
Hire a professional service
Regularly maintaining the gutters will help increase their lifespan and preserve all the surrounding elements in good condition. Some homeowners might attempt to DIY this project. However, hiring a professional service is a much better decision since it prevents accidents and oversights that can be highly damaging and costly. In addition, professionals will have the necessary equipment and know-how to perform the task time-efficiently, making an expert clean-up far more convenient.
Your Roofologist is a Plano-based licensed roofing contractor specializing in consumer protection in the residential and commercial roofing industry for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. We offer services such as roof inspections, roof repair and replacement, and other exterior and home improvement repairs. We transform homes with ten years of experience backed by excellent service, pride in our workmanship, and a warranty. Call us at (469)535-7852.