A crucial aspect of house maintenance and improvement is monitoring the condition of your roof and rain gutters. Regular checks, gutter maintenance, and repairs will guarantee that your home is weatherproof on the outside while also shielding the interior from potential harm. Your gutters may be out of sight, but it's a critical component of your home's structure that should never be out of your mind.
Gutters prevent water damage to your foundation, ceiling, walls, and doors. Additionally, they reduce soil erosion around your property, keep your basement from flooding, and guard your patios and fascia against damage caused by water. Many homeowners, though, are guilty of failing to realize why gutter cleaning is essential. They permit dirt and other debris to build up inside, obstructing the passage of rainwater collected by the roof.
Why maintain your rain gutter regularly?
Making your house a secure haven for your family depends on various routine checks and maintenance, including regular gutter cleaning. When you can keep up with these responsibilities as a homeowner, your rain gutters can serve their purpose efficiently.
If you're wondering why regular rain gutter maintenance is essential, here are the top four reasons that can convince you to invest in it:
1. Water damage protection
As the water drips from your roof, gutters direct it away from your house. Water can accumulate around the base of your house when gutters are clogged with debris, which could lead to damage. Clogged drains may also cause roof leaks. The leak can damage the floor, ceiling, walls, and other components of your house.
The soffit and fascia boards which connect the gutters to the house can decay due to water buildup in the trenches. The siding, rafters, attic, and other areas of the house may eventually become affected by this damage. Regular rain gutter maintenance can prevent such water damage from happening.
2. Safety
Rain gutters clogged with trash, twigs, and accumulated grass are more prone to draw pests like insects, birds, or termites. As your rain gutters are congested, opossums, raccoons, and birds might start nesting and making themselves at home for the summer. It’ll be nice to get your rain gutters cleaned at least twice a year if you don’t want any of these visitors to be at your home any time of the year, particularly in the summer.
In rare circumstances, gutter cleaning may be necessary more than once in the fall. One gutter cleaning myth is that homes without trees don't require maintenance. There may still be a need for gutter cleaning, mainly if you live in a house with asphalt shingles. These shingles eventually lose their granules, which then find their way into the gutters.
The best way to tackle these concerns is to talk to a professional gutter cleaner or roof maintenance contractor to know how to plan your rain gutter maintenance. Ask how many gutter hangers are ideal for your home structure. These professionals should also answer your other questions: Where should gutters be placed? How do I get gutters to drain properly? How many gutters should a house have?
3. Health concerns
In any case, blocked gutters pose a hazard to your health. Think of what could happen if your tap water gets contaminated because of the water damage that has found its way to your plumbing system. Numerous health issues can be exacerbated by water containing organic debris and organisms sitting in the gutter for an extended period.
That's actually how mold and mildew start to accumulate in your home. Molds thrive in damp or moist environments and are harmful to your health. They can irritate your skin or create respiratory problems. Even when you have low maintenance gutters, you still need to observe regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure these health concerns won't be a problem in your family.
4. Home aesthetics and value
A damaged and obstructed gutter is undoubtedly an eyesore. Visitors to your property and even potential buyers can quickly see if your gutters are yet to collapse or fall off. Never ignore your gutters if you want to improve your house's curb appeal, regardless of whether you want to sell it or not.
Another reason to invest in regular rain gutter maintenance is that it helps keep your property's landscaping aesthetics. Excess rainwater is redirected away from gardens and plants using gutters. The water accumulating in clogged drains thrown from your roof can erode the soil, wash away flowers and other flora, and ruin them.
Final words
One of the most underrated household heroes is the gutter, primarily if you reside in an area where rainy days are frequent. This means that to protect your property from the effects of rain, your roof and gutters are working extra hard. That's why it's time you admit and whisper to yourself this crucial line: ‘I need my gutters cleaned.'
References:
“10 really good reasons to clean your gutters this weekend”, Source: https://www.houseloanblog.net/10-gutter-cleaning-benefits/
“4 Amazing Benefits Of Regular Gutter Cleaning You Need To Know”, Source: https://www.finehomesandliving.com/home_design/4-amazing-benefits-of-regular-gutter-cleaning-you-need-to-know/article_b891c5be-641b-11ec-87f8-eb9044675f4f.html
“4 Benefits of Hiring a Professional for Gutter Cleaning”, Source: https://medium.com/@newguttersdenver/4-benefits-of-hiring-a-professional-for-gutter-cleaning-6796ef7cb626
