Why Clean Your Gutters?

If you are like most homeowners, cleaning gutters is a chore that haunts you. You know you should clean them, but it’s a hassle. There’s getting a ladder that can reach the roof. Then, there is getting rid of the debris. And of course, there’s the weather. There really isn’t a good time to clean the gutters.

Ignoring your gutters should never be an option. Clogged gutters can lead to a host of problems. For example, clogged gutters can lead to:

• Water Damage
• Roof Damage

Gutters collect water from your roof and channel it to your downspouts, where it flows away from your home’s foundation.  When gutters are clogged, water cannot be removed from the roof and away from the foundation. As a result, water pools around the foundation and seeps through cracks in your home’s exterior.

Clean Your Gutters To Prevent Water Damage

Water can be a destructive force, especially when it is allowed to accumulate repeatedly in the same area. This accumulated water can cause:

• Flooded Basements
• Weakened Foundations
• Damaged Driveways

Gutters cannot do their job if they are clogged, which means water is allowed to pool every time it rains or snow melts.

Clean Gutters Help Prevent Flooded Basements

Gutters do not have to be completely clogged for water damage to occur. Whether water sits in the gutter or at the junction with the downspout, it eventually trickles down the side of the house and into the basement. It may not be obvious, but ultimately, it will show itself in damaged window frames or a damp basement.

Clean Gutters Help Prevent Weakened Foundations

Your clogged gutters could be weakening your foundation. Cascading water from overflowing gutters during heavy rains can remove the soil from around the foundation. If the overflow is allowed to continue, the land under your house becomes too wet, and the home’s foundation may shift. Shifting foundations cause cracks, buckling, and holes. In colder climates, water that remains in the cracks of the foundation will freeze.  The contraction and expansion of the foundation further weaken the home’s foundation.

Clean Gutters Help Prevent Damaged Driveways

If your driveway is next to your home’s foundation, water can seep under the driveway. As a result, the driveway may shift or become misaligned. A driveway will experience the same cracking and buckling from expansion and contraction in colder climates.  This movement causes portions of the driveway to be higher than others.

Not all locations experience the same problems with clogged gutters. If you don’t have heavy rains, you may not experience weakened foundations; however, the contraction and expansion because of freezing is a primary concern in cold climates. If gutters are not cleaned in the fall, stagnant water can freeze during the winter months. The weight of debris and ice can damage the gutters and pull them away from the house.

Clean Gutters Help Prevent Roof and Exterior Damage

Gutters should remove water from a home’s roof. If they are not cleaned properly, water is not removed. The excess water can result in roof and exterior damage.

• Damaged Shingles
• Damaged Roof Deck
• Damaged Fascia

Replacing shingles is expensive; replacing an entire roof deck can be financially catastrophic. That’s why it is important to clean your gutters twice a year.

Clean Gutters Help Prevent Damaged Shingles

Most shingles deteriorate if they are left in standing water. Depending on how full your gutters are, the water buildup may allow shingles to absorb too much water. In warmer climates, the excessive heat dries the shingles so that they appear to shrink or curl up. These damaged shingles provide more opportunities for water to enter the home through the roof. In colder climates, a water-soaked shingle can freeze and thaw, causing further damage to your roof.

Clean Gutters Help Prevent Damaged Roof Deck

If damaged shingles are not addressed, and the gutters remain full, water can seep through to the roof deck. From there, the water can soak insulation and eventually stain interior walls and ceiling. A failing roof deck means a complete roof replacement; otherwise, the roof could collapse.

Clean Gutters Help Prevent Damaged Fascia

Gutters can pull away from your home. Gutters become heavy from all the debris that remains in the gutters. Add the weight of heavy rain, and your gutters may no longer be able to stay attached to your home. This scenario means water has a much easier time getting into your home. Of course, a damaged fascia makes a home look poorly maintained and detracts from curb appeal.No matter the climate or season, clean gutters are a must. If you don’t want to clean your gutters, contact a Squeegee Squad near you.

If you don’t want to clean your gutters, contact a Squeegee Squad near you.