Here Are Some of The Most Common Risks That Could Occur If You Don’t Clean Your Gutters!
The leaves have fallen, the rain has poured, and your gutters are now clogged with debris. Every year in the fall and spring, you face this scenario and know the most dreaded chore is here – gutter cleaning. As tempted as you may be to skip it, you know you can’t afford to let debris mess up your gutters for too long. Failing to clean your gutters can have long-term consequences. If you don’t act on it, it could burn a big hole in your pockets in the future.
In this article, we list the common risks you could face on not cleaning your gutters after a heavy downpour.
Table of Contents
Structural Damage to Your Property
When your gutters are clogged with debris, there is no place for the water to pass freely. This water buildup can get heavy and cause the gutter attachments to collapse or damage the wood fascia it is attached to. The weight of the twigs and fallen leaves, especially when frozen, can damage your trim or siding. It can flood the basements, cause cracks in the foundation and cause soil erosion too, if not looked after. Lastly, the water can also seep into the walls and windows while causing your siding to rot.
Growing Pest Problems
Free-standing water and a gutter full of debris make for just the kind of paradise pests thrive on. From insects and wasps to termites, rodents and squirrels, a dirty gutter becomes inviting for all kinds of pests. Squirrels can even chew through the wood and cause more roof damage. Also, if you thought that’s the maximum extent of the problem, there’s more bad news. These pests can also find a way inside your home through the pipes or walls, pushing you to call the exterminator. Who wants additional expenses?
Worsening Allergies
Another common problem that can arise due to cracks in the foundation, water seepage in the walls or water damage to the property is growing pollen and mould. When your walls remain damp, sooner or later, you are going to find mildew or mould growing near it. If you or your family members are prone to allergies, this could trigger a reaction. The higher pollen count can also pose a serious health risk to your family members and make them susceptible to illness. It’s advisable to get the mould treated as soon as you spot it or things could turn ugly.
Damage to the Roof
Your gutters play a significant role in protecting your house. Leaving them blocked can prove disastrous for your roof. If you live in cold areas, the clogged water and snow can form ice dams due to freezing temperatures. The damage caused by ice dams gets exacerbated when the gutters are filled with debris due to a lack of cleaning. This makes the gutters heavier while causing the water to collect under shingles and damage the fascia, roof, and soffits on your home. The added weight of the icicles can cause the gutters to detach from the roof and end up doing a lot of damage.
Violating Your Home Warranty
Most home warranties require you to clean your gutters regularly if you want the policy to cover your costs should an incident arise. Should you fail to comply with the policy guidelines, there is every chance you may not be covered for lack of cleaning on your part. If the damage is huge, you may have to replace the whole roof, the cost of which can run into thousands depending on where you stay. If you feel the task of cleaning your gutters is too cumbersome, don’t hesitate to rely on the services of a professional.
Drowning Landscape
So far, we have seen how clogged gutters can stain your walls, cause cracks, and lead to basement flooding. A leaking gutter that is damaged can leak out the water to your landscape. This can ruin your pots, plants and garden area. It can give a very dishevelled and drab look to your house. If you are someone who prides on the appearance of your house, you wouldn’t be too happy about letting your gutters ruin things for you. A well-maintained gutter can add to the curb appeal of your house and enhance its value. It also makes your home more noticeable to the passers-by and become the talk among your neighbours. Put in the efforts and don’t make your home look neglected like you don’t care.
Want To Leave Gutter Cleaning to The Professionals?
Most people ignore how dangerous Gold Coast Gutter Cleaning can be. It’s not as easy as picking up your ladder, putting on your gloves and getting to work. You need to be comfortable high up on the ladder with a steady footing. Many of us feel dizzy when on heights, let alone have the mental focus to work with a host of tools to clean the gutters.
Professionals have the expertise backed by years of experience in cleaning gutters of hundreds of households. They know if any parts need repair or replacement. Plus, they can also suggest if you need to get gutter guards installed, so they can help trap the debris before it clogs your gutter.
If you need a professional gutter cleaner, look no further. Give us a call to book your appointment. We would be happy to take that stress off your shoulders.