Your gutters are an important part of your roof and must be clean at all times. Many problems can occur if gutters aren’t cleaned regularly. This year, make gutter cleaning part of your home maintenance. Your basement, your foundation and your roof.
These are serious (and expensive) problems that can’t be avoided.
1. Gutter and fascia damage
The fascia is the board that’s mounted just below the roof. It’s also where gutters are connected.
Remember:
- Overflowing gutters can be a problem.
- Water that is spilled can get into fascia boards and cause damage.
A clogged gutter can also affect fascia. The gutter is also likely to become damaged due to its extra weight.
2. Ice dams.
In colder seasons, the water from a clogged gutter can turn to ice. This is another problem that you will have to address all year. The gutter’s primary function is to keep icicles (which can cause roof damage) from building up. A blocked gutter can make matters worse. The added weight of ice could literally rip off the gutter.
3. Leaky roof.
Your roof protects your home against weather changes, including rain, snow, and sun. Because water and melted snow don’t flow well through the drains, clogged gutters can lead to a leaky roof. Water stays on the roof until it finds its path into insulation, plaster, and drywall.
4. Interior damage.
Water stains can develop when water gets into the wall cavities and ceiling. The ceiling water stains can be easily repainted. However, wall water stains require extensive repair. Mold can form on walls and cause damage to the wall.
5. Cracks in foundation
A blocked gutter can affect your entire home, including your foundation.
Remember:
- Water from your gutter overflowing can cause problems. However, it will most likely get into your foundation’s creases.
- The foundation’s strength and integrity can be affected if water collects in the area.
To ensure that rainwater does not get clogged up, a network of downspouts and gutters is installed around your home. Rainwater can soak every bit of concrete slab and wood it touches.
6. Basement flooding
A common mistake homeowners make is not realizing that basement flooding can be caused by overflowing gutters. It could be caused by overflowing gutters, even if the pipe is broken. To be certain, check the function of your gutters.
7. Overflowing garden beds.
Clogged gutters can cause water to spill onto your lawn, which will also affect your lawn. You will have to redo all the landscaping you have spent so much money on if you let rainwater overflow your gutters.
8. Pest infestation.
If your gutters become blocked, you will be able to attract insects such as mosquitoes and other pests that thrive in stagnant waters.
Remember:
- If gutters aren’t cleaned, pests can breed and multiply.
- Even small pests can cause major damage to your house.
Plants that are stuck to a gutter can invite rodents, mice and birds to use the space as a nesting area or lair. Professional extermination can be expensive because pests can become unwanted guests in your house.
9. Safety and comfort are reduced.
Clogged gutters can cause you to lose your peace of mind, no matter what way you look at it. Imagine contaminated water getting into your tap. Water contaminated with organic matter and organisms that have been in the gutter for long periods of time can lead to serious health problems. This is how mold and mildew can grow.
10. Home value is reduced.
An eyesore is a clogged or broken gutter.
Remember:
- You can improve curb appeal by ensuring your gutters are in good condition.
- Potential buyers and guests can easily spot gutters about to fall off.
It is possible to achieve big results with a task that is simple enough to complete in a weekend. Compare the time and effort spent cleaning gutters with the average cost for a roof replacement or foundation repair. Gutter care is an important part of maintaining your home’s value. For more information, consult Lowe’s helpful tutorial.
What has your home’s worth increased by?
Today’s homeowners have large equity amounts. This may pique your interest. Potentially, you could cash out thousands of dollars in equity for home renovations, college expenses, debt repayments, and many other purposes. You should explore all options.
