A lot of homeowners tend to procrastinate on the maintenance of their home and this includes gutter cleaning. However, this is a necessary task for keeping your home and property safe from water damage.
Gutters are the main way that rainwater drains away from your roof and into a properly managed drainage system. When they are clogged with debris, rainwater is not able to drain off as it should. Instead, it overflows or soaks into the shingles and leaks into your home.
The leaking can cause rot to start forming on the roof and the gutters, which will eventually need to be replaced. It can also lead to water damage in your foundation or basement. This water damage can cause mold growth and health problems for your family if it is allowed to enter the home.
Pest infestation is another problem that can happen if you don’t keep your gutters clean. The leaves and twigs that build up in your gutters are perfect nesting and breeding grounds for insects and rodents.
These bugs can carry diseases, such as West Nile Virus. In addition, they can spread other harmful bacteria and fungi to the rest of your home.
They can also rot the fascia boards on your house and damage the roof. This will ultimately need to be repaired or replaced and can be costly.
Aside from that, a clogged gutter can corrode the fasteners that hold your gutters in place. This can cause them to detach and fall off of your fascia board.
Lastly, a clogged gutter can cause the wood on your fascia to rot and this can spread to other parts of the house. This can be extremely costly to repair and it is best to avoid it in the first place.
If you’re planning to take care of your gutters yourself, here are some tips:
Wear goggles and use a ladder that is secure. It is easy to get injured when working on a ladder, so take extra precautions while cleaning the gutters.
Prepare your materials before you start: This will prevent injury and ensure that you are prepared for whatever happens while doing the job. Depending on the type of work that you are doing, you may need a hose, sealant, or a plumber’s snake tool.
Have a friend help you: This will make the cleaning process much easier and safer. Having a friend with you will give you someone to help you out if you get stuck or if something goes wrong. If you are unsure if you and your friend can do it, then it would be good to consider getting the help of a professional gutter cleaning service like Gutter Cleaning Toms River to save you from the hassle of injury and damage.
Check the gutters before you begin: This will ensure that everything is working as it should and that no water is leaking into your home or the foundation of your property. If you notice any cracks, leaks or other signs of damage, it is important to act immediately so that the problems don’t worsen.
It is also a good idea to clean your gutters at the end of each season and before the next one. This will remove the excess foliage that has built up during the previous season so that your gutters can function at their best.
