Gutters collect leaves, animal waste, pine needles, twigs, and other debris over time. When left unchecked, these contaminants can stain the exterior of homes and cause a variety of problems like basement flooding and roof damage.
Gutter cleaning should be performed twice a year on average, typically in the spring and fall. Professionals are trained to work safely on ladders and have the proper tools to reach hard-to-reach areas. Read on for some ideas.
Eliminates Mold and Mildew
Clogged gutters allow leaves, twigs, and other debris to collect and create an ideal breeding ground for mildew and mold. As these contaminants spread, they release spores into the air that trigger allergies and respiratory issues for your family. Gutter cleaning eliminates these allergens and promotes a healthy living environment in your house or office.
Cleaned gutters funnel rainwater away from the foundation of your home, preventing soil erosion and protecting the integrity of the structure. Regular cleaning also minimizes pest infestation as it removes their breeding grounds.
Before cleaning, you should put on rubber gloves and safety goggles. Using an extendable sprayer, spray the moldy areas with a bleach solution and scrub them with a brush to kill the spores. After scrubbing, rinse the affected area thoroughly to eliminate all traces of mildew and mold. Repeat the scrubbing and rinsing as necessary to fully clean all areas of your gutter. Be sure to cover any plants you wish to keep with a drop cloth as the bleach solution can kill them too.
Prevents Basement Flooding
A flooded basement leads to water damage that ruins furniture, electronics, and other valuables housed in the area. It also fuels the growth of mold and mildew, which poses health concerns.
Gutter cleaning prevents clogged gutters from dumping rainwater and melting snow directly onto your home’s foundation. This overflowing water can erode the soil around your foundation, triggering cracks in your walls and basement floors.
Stagnant water also saturates flower beds and drowns plants. It also promotes the growth of mosquitoes and other insects that pose a threat to your health.
To ensure that rainwater is properly directed away from your home’s foundation, clean your gutters and install downspout extensions. These are long pieces of pipe fitted to the bottom of your downspout and allow for additional drainage space. You can even install standpipes to further protect your home from flooded basements and other moisture-related problems. While a general guideline is to have your gutters cleaned twice per year, specific conditions may require more frequent cleaning.
Extends the Life of Your Roof
Gutter cleaning keeps your roof in good shape and extends its lifespan. Clogged gutters trap ice, which adds weight to the roof and can cause it to collapse. Water that doesn’t drain properly can also damage shingles and lead to expensive repairs. Gutter cleaning prevents these problems by routing water away from the home.
Gutter maintenance also improves the curb appeal of your home. Gutters that are clogged with leaves and debris look messy and can detract from your home’s beauty. Regular gutter cleaning eliminates this problem and makes your house more appealing to buyers.
While the general guidance is to clean your gutters twice a year, specific circumstances may call for more frequent cleaning. Contact a professional gutter cleaner to discuss your situation and get tailored advice. They’ll know how often you should schedule gutter maintenance services based on your location and type of roofing. They’ll also provide tips on how to keep your gutters in good condition between cleanings.
Eliminates Pests
Gutter cleaning is the best way to get rid of pests that are attracted by clogged gutters. Gutters play a critical role in channeling rainwater away from your home’s foundation, but they can easily become clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris that impede water flow. The resulting stagnant water and debris provide ideal breeding grounds for a variety of pests, including rodents, birds, insects, and mosquitoes that carry deadly diseases.
Best practices in gutter maintenance, such as scheduled cleanings and installing effective gutter guards, significantly reduce the likelihood of pest infestations. In addition, regular gutter cleaning can prevent a host of other issues like molds and mildew that contaminate indoor air and structural damage to your home’s roof and foundation. It also helps maintain the value of your property. This makes it an important investment that safeguards your health, safety, and peace of mind. Check this helpful information.
