Anyone who owns a home knows they must complete certain maintenance tasks or pay someone to do these jobs for them. One thing many people dread is getting up on a ladder to clean the gutters on the home. They find the job to be dirty and time-consuming. However, this is one task that must be done.
The gutters play a critical role in protecting the home from damage. Gutter Cleaning helps to prevent moisture damage to the home. Any water damage is costly to remedy, and the process can be time-consuming. For this reason, avoiding the need for water damage remediation is always preferable.
Numerous things happen when the gutters on the home aren’t cleaned regularly. How can a homeowner know when the gutters are clogged or backing up? What should they look for?
The Purpose of Gutters on the Home
Gutters, also known as eavestroughs, are designed to collect water from the roof. The gutter system then moves this water to downspouts where the water is directed away from the home. People often don’t realize how much water the gutter system collects each year and how much damage can be done to the home if the gutters don’t function as intended. Proper maintenance and periodic cleaning by professionals like Bone Dry Roofing can help prevent such issues.
Envision a home with a 1,000-square-foot roof. Every inch of rain on this roof results in approximately 620 gallons of water. The average bathtub in an American home only holds 60 to 80 gallons of water. BestPlaces.net reports Marietta, GA gets 53 inches of rain each year, on average. That works out to almost 33,000 gallons of water each year that must go somewhere. If the home is bigger, this number increases. Ensure the water moves away from the home so it doesn’t do damage to the foundation or landscaping.
Clogged Gutters and the Damage They Can Cause
Clogged gutters can lead to significant damage to a home. Rainwater remains on the roof when the gutters are clogged. This can lead to a range of problems, including major moisture damage. Furthermore, clogged gutters attract pests, and these critters carry diseases that are harmful to humans. Why do clogged gutters lead to these problems?
Damaged Gutters
Gutters are designed to allow water to flow freely to the downspouts. When the gutters are clogged, this water remains in the system until it builds up and flows over the sides of the gutter. The additional weight can lead to damage to the gutter system. The gutters may detach from the home, providing a gap where water can enter the home at the roof’s edge.
If a gutter section falls, it may damage the home or injure anyone standing in the vicinity of the gutter as it comes down. When this happens, the home has probably already sustained major damage.
Roof Damage
Broken, overflowing, and clogged gutters often lead to water blowing into the soffit vents of the home. This can result in wood rot in the attic, along with the weakening of the framing materials. The owner finds they must deal with severe structural damage, which can be costly to repair.
In addition, when water pools on the roof of the home, it may lead to the disintegration of the shingles. The roof could begin leaking or develop other issues when this occurs. In many cases, the homeowner will find the roof must be replaced rather than repaired due to the extent of the damage. As roof replacement is costly, a homeowner wants to avoid taking this step if at all possible. Regular gutter cleanings help extend the lifespan of the roof.
Siding Damage
Manufacturers create siding to resist moisture, as this housing material remains exposed to the elements. However, the siding cannot protect against all moisture, as it needs time to dry out. With constant exposure to wet conditions, the siding sustains damage, and moisture can begin making its way into the home. This moisture remains hidden behind walls, where it may bring about mold, mildew, and rot. When stains appear on the wall, the owner knows they are looking at major repairs.
Interior Damage
Window and door frames within the home are typically made of wood. If they are exposed to wet conditions regularly, they could rot. Any rot allows more water into the walls of the home as well as the window and door frames. In addition, this rot leads to cold drafts in the home. An owner may first realize they have a problem when their energy bills rise.
Foundation Problems
If water pools around the foundation of the home, it will make its way into the soil and the foundation of the home. This often leads to cracks in the basement walls, and each crack allows more water into the home. Over time, the house may slip, sag, or sink, leading to the need for major foundation repairs.
Landscape Issues
Plants need water to survive and thrive. However, excessive amounts of water may harm the plants. When gutters overflow, the water often makes its way onto plants around the home’s foundation. This could lead to the death of the plants and the need to replace them. Otherwise, the curb appeal of the property may be negatively affected.
Pest Problems
Insects and rodents likewise need water to survive. Clogged gutters provide them with an easy water source. Once these creatures take up residence in the gutter, they may begin making their way into the home. Avoid this problem by having the gutters cleaned regularly.
Signs the Gutters Need to Be Cleaned
Homeowners should know the signs of clogged gutters. If water is spilling over the edges when it rains, clean the gutters. Any signs of birds, insects, or other critters around the gutter suggest water is remaining in the eavestroughs and needs to be removed. Cleaning the gutters will remove the standing water. However, take care, as the invaders may be present in the gutter while this work is being done.
Check the gutters monthly to see if they are sagging or loose. Look for rust or black stains on the gutters, as this suggests they need attention. Furthermore, any visible plant growth in the gutters is cause for concern. Clean the gutters and call a professional if this doesn’t resolve the problems.
Homeowners should clean the gutters twice yearly—once in the spring and again in the fall. This ensures debris doesn’t fill up the gutters and block them. If help is needed with this task, call a professional gutter cleaning crew. They will remove any debris from the gutters and ensure the system works as it should.
