Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The leaves change colors, and they eventually fall to blanket the ground in the hues of autumn. However, just as leaves are falling on your lawn, they’re also falling into your gutters. You should clean your gutters each fall to protect not only your gutters, but also the structure of your home.
Reason #1 – Water Damage
When your gutters and downspouts are working correctly, they will direct water (including winter meltwater) away from your home and into a safe location. When your gutters haven’t been cleaned and they’re packed with leaves, the water cannot flow properly. Water may overflow in your gutters, which causes it to spill over the side. Then, you may find puddles near your foundation. Over time, the soft ground can cause the foundation to crack, and this can lead to a flooded basement. Cleaning your cutters is very important for preventing water damage.
Reason #2 – Problems with Siding and Trim
As your gutters fill with leaves, twigs, and other types of debris, they become heavier and heavier – especially when that debris is wet. This may cause your gutters to slowly pull away from your home. In turn, the weight on the screws holding your gutters to your home may cause the siding or even your home’s trim to start pulling away. Since the water cannot properly enter the gutters, it will run down onto your home and behind the siding and trim. This can cause structural damage from rot, mold, mildew, or a combination of the three.
Reason #3 – Ice Dams
Ice dams occur in areas where freezing temperatures are common – especially over long periods of time. When gutters clog, the water that flows over the edge can freeze. This essentially creates a dam which traps even more meltwater. As things begin to warm up again, that meltwater can find its way into your home. What’s more, ice dams can grow so large that they can pull your gutters – and any structures they are attached to – right off of your home. Not only is that unsightly, but it is also expensive to repair.
Reason #4 – Pest Infestation
Many insects and vermin like mice and rats enjoy cool, dark, and damp conditions – exactly the environment that clogged gutters offer in the fall months. Some of the most common pests include carpenter ants, which can cause structural damage to your home, and mosquitos, which can carry a variety of potentially serious illnesses. Rodents may also move in and build nests. Over time, they could also find a way to get inside the main structure of your home, where they can do even more damage. Cleaning your gutters is the best way to keep them free from pests and vermin.
As you can see, cleaning your gutters isn’t about much more than just aesthetic appeal. It’s also about protecting the very structure of your home from damage, rot, cracks, flooding, and infestation. A simple gutter cleaning in the fall can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Get in touch with Eco-Clean to schedule your gutter cleaning today.