The Importance of Cleaning Your Gutters

Your gutters are one of the most overlooked parts of your roofing system. People don’t often stop and think about issues that can arise from clogged gutters, and often put it off because they don’t feel its a priority. If water is not able to properly flow away from your house, then damage can result in a number of different locations throughout your home, ranging from your roof to your foundation. There are a number of reasons to clean out your gutters. We’ve listed our top six reasons to clean your gutters below:

Roof Damage

Clogged gutters leave now room for water to flow. As a result, the water pools inside your gutter system and will flood over the sides. This can leave the shingles on your roof damaged and potentially cause cracks in your roof itself. A cracked roof creates a leak in the ceiling which drips into the interior of your home. Replacing a damaged roof is far more costly than cleaning out your gutters. A clean gutter system allows for a smooth passage of water flowing from the bottom, controlling the flow of the water from the roof and directing it away from your home.

Eliminate Pest Problems

Insects, birds and rodents can all make their home in a clogged gutter full of leaves and debris. They can also find their way into your home through your gutter and roof system. A clogged gutter is one of the most common reasons for a pest infestation inside your home. With proper gutter cleaning and maintenance, you can reduce the risk of infestation from your gutters.

Fascia Damage

The Fascia is a board that runs behind your gutter. Overflowing water from your gutters can damage this important component of your gutter system. When your Fascia is damaged it will lead to rot which can be a costly repair. If it’s not repaired quickly, water can easily seep into your home.

Damage to Landscaping

Landscaping is beautiful and expensive and should always be well cared for. If you gutters become clogged to the point that water is spilling over the sides and into your nicely landscaped garden beds, your plants essentially become drowned form the excessive amounts of water which can kill your plans.

Cracks in Your Foundation

Your foundation is one of the most important pieces of your home, considering everything inside and out sits on top of it. A cracked foundation can compromise the structural integrity of your home. If water from your gutters overflows and pools along your home’s foundation, it can end up freezing, causing it to expand and create cracks in your foundation.

Damage to the Gutters Themselves

Clogged gutters means that water is pooling inside the gutters. Water can weigh quite a substantial amount when it pools and the gutters fill up completely. If you gutters are holding too much weight, the brackets holding your gutters to your roofing system can break, resulting in your entire gutter falling from the fascia and causing major damage to your home.