Your gutter system channels rainwater away from your home’s exterior and foundation walls. It’s also an essential part of keeping your roof and basement dry. However, clogged gutters can cause serious problems for your home.
Among the best ways to prevent these issues is by cleaning your gutters regularly. While this may sound like a tedious task, it’s a necessary one that could help save you from costly repairs down the road.
When your gutters are clogged, water can build up on your roof and create leaks or overflows that can damage your foundation or basement. This can lead to rotted wood and structural damage.
Gutters are a great way to divert rainwater from your home, but they need to be clean and free of leaves and other debris that can cause blockages. If you’re not sure how to properly clean your gutters, consider hiring a professional to do it for you.
A common gutter-cleaning technique involves scooping out the leaves and other debris with a tool called a gutter bucket. You should keep in mind that this method requires a lot of climbing on a ladder and may not be ideal for the elderly or anyone with physical limitations.
Snow and ice can create a dam that keeps rainwater from flowing down the gutter. This can cause a variety of problems for your home, including shingles, melting, shingles sagging and ceilings sagging, all of which could result in significant roof damage and water damage to the interior of the house.
Mold and mildew can also grow in clogged gutters. These spores can be carried into your house by the wind and can be extremely dangerous to the health of you and your family.
In the short term, water seepage can also lead to rotting insulation and walls. Additionally, clogged gutters can attract unwanted critters such as squirrels, birds and rodents, which can become a problem if they get inside your house.
It’s best to have your gutters cleaned twice a year: once in spring and once in fall. If you can’t afford to have them cleaned twice a year, you should clean your gutters more often throughout the year.
A simple solution of bleach can be used to kill any bacteria or mold that may be growing in your gutters. You can also use a vinegar solution to disinfect your gutters. If you need your gutters cleaned, then the best solution is to get a gutter cleaning service that can help you, like Gutter Cleaning Pleasanton.
The best time to clean your gutters is in the fall when leaves are falling or in the spring after ice and snow have melted.
Make a checklist of all the items you need to complete to prepare your home for winter and avoid common home maintenance problems this season. Taking care of the basics before the cold weather hits will help you keep your home safe and comfortable while lowering your energy bills.
