Cleaning gutters is a dreaded chore for most adults, but it’s also an important way to keep your home protected. Procrastinating on gutter cleaning can cause many problems, such as an accumulation of leaves, sticks, and other debris.
There are a multitude of things that can occur with clogged gutters, but here are a few main reasons why keeping your gutters clean is important.
Roof Damage
When water pools in clogged gutters, it will start to collect on the bottom of the roof. The moisture buildup will then increase chances of wood rot. When the roof begins to rot, it can lead to wet insulation, mold, and even structural damage.
Even further, water left sitting on the shingles and roof valleys will then inevitably cause roof leakages and damage.
Pests
Rodents and insects love damp areas, so if water sits in your gutters for too long, it creates a welcoming environment for things like mosquitoes, termites, and other pests. This problem becomes much worse if the pests get into your home.
Damage To Fascia
Your fascia is the long board that runs along your roof’s lower edge right behind your gutter. If the gutters are full of water, the chances are high they will soon overflow and spill water over the fascia board, causing rot. Damaged or deteriorating fascia give the above-mentioned pests direct access to your attic.
Foundation
Your roof/attic isn’t the only concern when it comes to water – water can cause massive damage to a home’s foundation. If the gutters and downspouts aren’t effectively rerouting rainwater away from the house, the water will saturate the ground around the foundation. Excess moisture can render the home unstable as the foundations shifts and settles, and pooling rainwater can end up freezing, expanding, and creating cracks in your foundation. Foundation damage is extremely expensive to repair.
Cleaning out gutters is a chore most homeowners dislike, but it’s a necessary task to maintain your home. The good news is, there are gutter guard systems that protect your gutters from being clogged to begin with! Here at Royal Roofing & Solar, we offer the top of the line gutter guard system, guaranteed to keep your gutters clean forever. You will never have to clean your gutters again!
