Clean gutters matter a lot more to the overall condition of your home than you might think. Sure, it’s one of those things that’s easy to overlook in an “out of sight, out of mind” way. But if you do fall into the trap of ignoring your gutters and how clean or unclean they might be, you might regret that massively later.
We’re going to look at seven concerns that can result from not cleaning your gutters and how those problems can severely impact your home in various ways. Unfortunately, many people only realize there’s a problem with their gutters when something goes wrong, and there’s a more severe issue they’re forced to deal with. Like your roof, regular maintenance on your gutters will save you money and headaches later.
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Early Gutter Replacements
Extensive gutter damage is caused by a lack of proper maintenance and cleaning. In many cases, it can lead to gutters bending or detaching from the home. On the other hand, good cleaning practices can make the guttering last a lot longer. Gutters aren’t designed to be weighed down by heavy debris or large amounts of standing water. Failure to clean and maintain your gutters regularly can cost a lot of money to replace the components sooner or worse; clogged or failed gutters can ultimately destroy your home and property.
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Fire Dangers
Built-up leaves or debris in your gutters can quickly fuel flying embers, potentially causing your home to catch on fire. Living in Southern California with fire season year-round, you must consider the importance of gutter cleaning alongside brush clearing around your home’s perimeter annually.
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Pest Problems
When your gutters fill with leaves, debris, and moisture, that creates an environment that tends to attract bugs and all sorts of pests. When it comes to protecting your home, the last thing you want is to attract bugs, rodents, or birds. Unfortunately, your home has many risks that come with each of those pests. If your gutters are filled with leaves or pine needles, it’s most likely a good bird’s nest, and that’s not what you want. Cleaning the gutters properly and regularly will ensure birds and pests don’t get the chance to make your gutters home.
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Water Damage to the Interiors
When your gutters aren’t clean, it can easily lead to blockages. And when there are blockages, you’ll find that water builds and builds, with the water having to go somewhere eventually. In many cases, that water can impact the walls leading to damp problems affecting your home’s interiors. That’s not something that any homeowner wants to be dealing with. When your walls start to experience dampness, you’ll also have potential mold issues, not to mention the smell that can permeate the home. It’s unpleasant, and getting rid of the problems from your home can be challenging once mold starts to take hold.
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Damage to the Roof
The last thing you want to deal with as a homeowner is a leaking roof, but that’s certainly a very real possibility if you’re not careful. Clogged gutters that have water overflowing can push excess water up and onto your roof at the eaves causing potential damage.
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Fascia Damage
The fascia is the wood or material below the roof to which your gutters are likely attached. These can sustain damage very quickly if you’re not taking the time to clean out the gutters on a regular basis. That’s because the gutters will start to get weighed down by all the debris built up inside them.
As they become heavier, the strain placed on the attachments will weaken and eventually cause damage to the fascia. Once this occurs, the facia board and some of your gutters may need replacing, which can be a costly concern.
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Lacking Curb Appeal
Finally, although not vital, it would help to consider curb appeal, as this is something that most homeowners care about on some layers. For example, if your gutters look messy, bent, or broken because of the weight of the debris or excess water, that’s never going to be a good thing. Likewise, dirty and ugly gutters are an eyesore and can significantly affect your home’s curb appeal.
So if you want your home to stand out for the right reasons rather than the wrong ones, it’s a good idea to get your gutters professionally cleaned and maintained. That’ll enable you to keep them looking neat, and your home will look a lot nicer too.
There are lots of problems that can arise if you don’t keep your gutters clean and clear. So if you think now is an excellent time to get your gutters cleaned, and you’re looking for a professional team to take care of the work for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team here at Greatway Roofing.
Greatway Roofing has over 20 years of experience as the leading Ventura County, Santa Clarita Valley, and the San Fernando Valley roofing company. We offer free, comprehensive estimates, and our workmanship is guaranteed. If you’d like help with cleaning your gutters, talk to one of our friendly team members today at (805) 523-2550.