As a homeowner, you know that the list of to-dos is large when it comes to preparing for winter. Going through that list, it can be easy to forget about the gutters and the roof. They can be taken for granted when they function as they should but can become a disaster if they are left filled with debris. Making sure your gutter and roof are completely clean going into winter is extremely important, as it can minimize future damage.
Cleaning gutters and the roof includes removing dead leaves, sticks, and debris. Keeping this debris out of gutters is essential to protect the structure of your home and prevent costly issues. Here are the reasons why keeping the roof and gutters clean is extremely important.
The gutters are there to help manage water during a storm, steering it off the roof and away from a structure. If these gutters and downspouts are clogged, this preventative measure is stopped. When water continues to flood over, it can leave a rotten or leaky roof in its wake. They will need to be cleaned out often to avoid this.
Clogged gutters can direct water into your basement, resulting in floods and water leaking into the foundation. This flooding may cause cracks in your home’s foundation, which will shift the structure of your home and undermine its stability in the long run. Additionally, trapped water will rot the boards the gutters are mounted to, allowing moisture to enter your home and causing water damage to the ceiling and walls.
Pooling water in gutters can be the perfect recipe for disaster. Moisture attracts all sorts of pests like rodents, birds, and insects. The softer wood from water damage allows bugs to be able to nestle inside and lay their eggs. Damp leaves and mud are perfect nesting materials for birds and rodents. These conditions are also inviting for bees and wasps to create their hives.
Cleaning your gutters often can help prevent unwanted and unexpected problems down the road. Water damage is extremely expensive to repair and gets worse over time. Mold will begin to infest your home and cannot be removed on your own. Your roof will continue to stand strong against the elements when the gutters are working alongside it. There will be no concerns about caving in. Moreover, you will not need to pay to have a pest exterminator get rid of possible insects, rodents, and birds that are living in dirty gutters. If you clean your gutters often, you can avoid any of the above problems. Depending on the foliage in the surrounding area, it could need to be cleaned anywhere between every three months to twice a year. If they have not been cleaned in a while, do so before a storm hits.
Though it is extremely important to do the routine roof and gutter cleaning, you do not have to attempt it on your own. It can be dangerous for a variety of reasons and sometimes it is best left to professionals. Contact experts at Cloute, Inc. for any questions, concerns, or help that you may need with your roofing and gutters.