Throughout the seasons, your house is subject to different temperatures and weather conditions. A sturdy, well-designed home should take this into consideration and not just concentrate on aesthetics. A buyer with a skillful eye would have the foresight to look ahead and assess how the prospective home would hold up.
After buying a house, the upkeep is now the responsibility of the homeowner. This includes the parts of the house that we don’t really pay much attention to. The gutter is an example. When it is in good condition, we will hardly notice it. However, when it breaks down, the rest of the house is affected. That is why many homeowners are willing to spend on seamless gutter repair and regular cleaning.
Why Gutter Cleaning Should Be Done Regularly
Gutters are an integral part of the house. It ensures that rainwater is directed to the proper drainage systems. Water flows freely and if there is no proper passage, it may seep into different parts of the house.
The gutter is always open and prone to damage from the elements. In every season, there are always objects that can clog the gutter. During the autumn season, the leaves from the trees will fall on the gutters and even through the downspouts.
Gutter cleaners also note that even in the spring, maple trees have leaf-like secretions that can also end up in the gutter. This is why they often recommend that the cleaning is done at the end of the fall when all the leaves have gone down. The gutters and downspouts must be clear before it snows.
However, there is no fixed time or frequency when it comes to gutter cleaning. It depends on your location. How many trees are near? What types of trees? There are some areas where dust and ash accumulate—these can also cause problems as they can get stuck in the spouts and pipelines.
In most areas, gutters are cleaned every four months but in high concentration areas, they may have to clean them more often since there are leaves falling all year round.
Consequences of a Clogged Gutter
When your gutter is clogged, the water will overflow to the sides of your house. These can cause water stains and even ice dams during winter.
Gutters will direct the water away from your home’s foundation. If they are clogged, the water might cause cracks, or at the very least, the moisture will cause molds.
If the water flow is impeded, the stagnant water can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which are carriers of deadly diseases such as malaria or dengue fever.
Some houses have sustained major damage due to water seepage and leaks due to a clogged gutter. Repairs can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars aside from the inconvenience.
Gutter cleaning is a preventive measure and the consequences could be costly. Therefore, it should not be brushed aside. Make sure you find a reputable contractor to ensure the quality of the installation, repair, and maintenance work on your roof or gutter.
