Potential Issues When Gutters Aren’t Cleaned Properly

If you’ve ever wondered why gutters need cleaning, what will happen if you don’t, and how often you should have them cleaned, we’re here to answer those questions right here. Gutters and downspouts are like a suit of armor for the home against water penetrations. When these installations become clogged or dirty, many situations can present themselves, causing homeowner headaches and home damage.

Schedule Your Gutter Cleaning Today!

Potential Consequences of Postponing Gutter Cleaning

The risks of not having gutters cleaned can be costly, and often these issues go undetected until significant damage occurs. Here are some possible issues clogged gutters might cause.

Interior Water Damage

The primary purpose of gutter installations is to guide water that falls on the roof through channels to downspouts that lead water away from the house. When gutters become blocked with debris, water pools on top of them can cause roof damage that can lead to caving in over time and interior damage. Flooding under the home or in the basement may also result.

Exterior Water Damage

The exterior of homes is most likely to initially fall prey to the woes of clogged gutters. Water in excess will begin pouring over the edge of the gutter when overwhelmed, resulting in bending or breakage within the system. As the water falls directly down next to the house rather than flowing away, it stands near the foundation and can result in serious damage.  

The same goes for nearby driveways and sidewalks, not to mention the potential for siding compromises due to clogged gutters. If you have landscaping next to the home, they can be negatively impacted by the force of falling rain or excessive water exposure when gutters are neglected.

Clogged Gutters Attract Insects & Infestations

Insects like spiders and mosquitos are drawn to moist environments and can breed in any debris present due to neglecting professional gutter cleaning. As sticks, leaves, dirt, moisture, etc., build up, they create ideal conditions for certain critters and insects.

Small rodents like mice and rats may create nests, as may certain birds attracted by the availability of home-building materials. Certain pests may call your gutters a permanent home, breed there, or both. Their presence can be the source of roofing damage. An even greater concern is the health risks that pests like mosquitos and rodents can cause, such as malaria and rabies.

Want a Breeding Ground for Pathogens? Ignore Gutter Cleaning

Stagnant water and moisture stuck in gutters can lead to mold, mildew, algae, and other potentially dangerous growths. Professional gutter cleaning can prevent these issues.

How Often Should You Clean Gutters for Optimal Results?

There is no definitive answer for how often you should clean your gutters, as gutter cleaning frequency will largely depend on the climate you live in and how many deciduous trees are proximal to the home. That being said, as a rule of thumb, professional gutter cleaners generally advise cleaning services and inspections after spring and fall—times when leaves and debris fall most often.

There are additional timing considerations for homeowners residing in climates that get snow or freezing temperatures—cleaning before winter is essential to remove any clogs in downspouts and gutters in these cases. Non-functioning gutters can allow snow to sit on roofs for extended periods and result in ice dams that often result in roofing damage or rotting wood under eaves or on the siding. Frozen water trapped in gutters can result in expansion that may cause cracks, breaks, and leaks within the system.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Gutter Cleaning Service

Gutter cleaning requires climbing on a ladder, which can be dangerous on a single-story structure and even more so for two or more stories. To boot, using hoses, rakes, scrapers and applying any chemicals to eradicate mold or mildew further complicate the process. The biggest benefits of hiring a residential gutter cleaner are safety and convenience, as they have the skills, tools, and know-how to do the job properly.

Don’t Skip Gutter Cleaning! Call the Squeegee Squad Today!

Squeegee Squad locations are across the nation to serve your residential and commercial exterior cleaning needs. We offer professional gutter cleaning, roof cleaning, pressure washing, window cleaning, and much more. Contact a Squeegee Squad location near you to schedule a consultation for the services you need.

Schedule Your Gutter Cleaning Today!