Preventative Maintenance - Gutter Cleaning
It's important to get your gutters cleaned on a regular basis. Attending to this item is imperative to maintaining your home. It's surprising how much damage can be created just from skipping this regular preventative maintenance. Hiring a professional can speed up the process and keep you from having to climb a ladder to the roof and potentially getting hurt.
Signs to Look For
Most people can't see what's in their gutters until it's too late — if you see plants growing in them or can see the debris build-up from the ground, cleaning your gutters needs to be done sooner rather than later. If you can see the gutter itself sagging as well or you've noticed that no water is coming down your downspout, these are also indicators that this item on your list needs to be attended to. In winter months, you may even be able to see ice dams or places where the water has clogged from debris and frozen there.
When Gutters Overflow
The purpose of downspouts is to drive water away from your home. If the water is unable to go the desired route because of clogged gutters, this is problematic. Overflowing gutters can also cause roof damage and even foundational damage to your home. As the water overflows into the gutter, it can cause erosion to the ground below, resulting in water getting to your foundation or even flooding your basement. If debris is left to buildup in the gutter, it can draw pests to your roof. This creates a whole new issue beyond the overflowing water you most likely are dealing with on a regular basis, as pests can then potentially gain access to your home. If an ice dam forms and is left, it can cause major damage to your gutters and roof and be a hazard if it breaks loose and falls to the ground.
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
It is imperative to clean gutters even if they are not to the point described above. Your roof shingles wear down over time, leaving a grit in the gutters as they weather. Pollen and dirt can collect in the gutter as well. Unless you are regularly up on your roof, you may not realize that this is happening. Eventually, this build-up can result in mold. Mold will build up and spread, potentially even into your home. This brings with it a whole new set of problems.
Scheduling this preventative maintenance at least twice a year will prevent these problems from arising. If you live in a wooded area or near a tree that is often dropping needles, flowers, or other items, it wouldn't hurt to schedule the service three to four times per calendar year. Reach out to a professional who provides gutter cleaning in your area for more information.