Many homeowners do not give their gutters a thought until they notice signs that something is amiss. Gutter cleaning is essential to protect roof materials against moisture damage. Rainwater and melted ice or snow need to drain away from roofs, and intact clog-free gutters make it possible. It's understandable for some homeowners to be less than excited about the idea of cleaning their gutters. However, the potential damage and repair costs associated with not cleaning gutters should prompt them to seek professional residential gutter cleaning. The following points identify potential consequences of failing to clean out your gutters.
Foundation Damage
Gutters are a critical part of draining water away from rooftops and diverting the water away from foundations. Clogged gutters may spew water, which will pond around foundations. The excess water may weaken foundations and cause cracks to form. It may also lead to water seeping into basements and causing significant water damage. Some homeowners have bushes and flowers planted near the perimeter of their homes. The excess water may cause overwatering issues and cause them to die or stunt their growth.
Structural Damage
A damaged foundation may lead to other structural damages. Homeowners may discover that it is difficult for them to open and close windows and doors. If clogged gutters cause water to backflow into the roof, the roofing materials may sustain water damage. This is often the beginning of future roof leaks. It is also possible for the fascia boards to get damaged by clogged gutters. This can lead to wood rot, which can make it easier for pests to enter homes and access the attic area. Clogged gutters may also damage siding materials, ruin the exterior of the main entrance doors, and deteriorate wooden steps.
Pest Infestations
Some pests thrive in moisture-rich conditions or areas that have plentiful wood. They may seek out hidden areas such as compromised attics to infest. Cockroaches, carpenter ants, termites, spiders, and rodents are examples of potential pest infestations that may occur. Mosquitoes are attracted to water and prefer the outdoors. Homeowners who have water pooling around their foundations and ponding in their lawns due to clogged draining may have a surplus of disease-causing mosquitoes.
A gutter cleaning company is a good resource to use to learn additional consequences of not maintaining residential gutters. They can inspect the current gutters and might recommend an upgrade to seamless gutters to homeowners who have sectional gutters installed. Sectionals are more prone to trapping debris between sections, which can lead to more frequent clogs.
For more information about gutter cleaning, contact a local company.
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