Gutters are extremely important in ensuring that the outside of your home remains clean and that there is no water deposited on your roofs. Gutters are systems that enable the rainwater and other debris on your roof to clear out. However, if they are not cleaned properly and on time, they can lead to a lot of problems- some of which can be very costly and time-consuming to fix. Believe it or not, bad gutters can even lead to the collapse of the whole house structure- literally! Here are some of the reasons why gutter cleaning is important and what damages it can cause if left neglected for too long.
Shift in Foundation
Gutters are extremely important when it comes to draining the rainwater away from the home. If not done properly, it can compromise the house as well as your safety. When water is not being drained far away or is getting clogged and seeping into the soil around the house, it can cause damage to the foundation. The water seeping into the soil can weaken the foundation, shifting it. This leads to cracks in the walls and roofs, at the best and if not taken care of for very long, it can lead to an unstable foundation structure that can crash. There are some signs you can look for if you think you might be facing this issue- leaning walls, walls bowing in your basement, as well as little cracks in the basement. Sometimes, damaged foundations make way to wet and flooded basements. If you notice this, you should get it repaired immediately.
This problem arises because the water is not being drained far enough from the houses’ foundation. An easy way to fix this is by calling professionals and asking their advice on where to drain the water. You might need to install extra gutter lines so that the wastewater is away from your home. You can contact professionals by clicking here.
Pests and Rodents
The most common problem you will face with clogged up gutters is the infestation of rodents and pests that follows. When water is unable to flow through the gutter pipes, it starts getting collected on the top of the roof. This makes for a habitable environment for pests and rodents to make a home and can cause an infestation if not handled swiftly. The easiest way to figure out if you are facing this problem is by paying attention to the animal activity on your roof- do you see more squirrels and birds than before? Is there a lot of noise coming from the roof? Be careful as mice and squirrels can often make their way into the attic, which can lead to a full house infestation. It’s best to ask professionals to clean up if there is a clog as they have the proper tools required and can repair any damages on the spot that might have been caused by the animals and birds.
Another infestation you might start seeing is that of termites and carpenter ants that thrive in damp environments. Termites are more often found on roofs that have wooden structures as that is where their homes are. You might need to call in an exterminator if you face this problem.
Mildew and Moss
One of the biggest and most tell-tale problems you might face is the growth of moss and mildew. These invasive species grow best in damp conditions and your clogged gutter pipes may be the reason for their growth. The best way to tell if you are getting the problem of mildew growth is by observing the outsides of your home. If you start noticing a bad stench along with green and brown algae on your walls or roof, that is mildew. It needs to be removed immediately as they are invasive and can cause a loss of local flora and habitat. Moreover, the bad stench can become overpowering very easily and very fast- making it exceedingly difficult to continue living in the space.
Not to mention, the growth of moss and mildew can often lead to damage to the exterior of the house and can sometimes transfer this damage to the interiors as well. If you notice this growth, just getting the gutter cleaning service won’t make it go away. You will have to get another service to get it removed completely as they multiply fast.
What is the best time to clean the gutters?
Now that you know why gutter cleaning is so important; you might be wondering when you need to clean them. If you cannot remember the last time you got your gutters cleaned, it’s better to call professionals immediately. The best times to clean a gutter are the end of autumn or the start of spring. This is because, during the autumn, a lot of leaves, sticks and debris can get deposited in the gutters and it’s best to get them cleaned before these start clogging the water.