Although gutter cleaning can be a drudgerous chore, avoiding it can lead to big problems for your home. When gutters are left unkempt, they can end up causing more damage to your home, leading to unnecessary repair costs that you otherwise could have avoided.
Why You Should Clean Your Gutters
Taking care of your gutters on a regular basis really makes your life easier down the road. By keeping up with them, you prevent damage to your home and, in turn, the major headache that comes with filing an insurance claim when you experience storm damage. Not to mention the inconvenience of having your home exposed to the elements.
Prevent Pests
Debris buildup in your gutters and downspouts is a haven for bugs, birds, and rodents. When leaves, dirt, and other garbage starts to clog your drainage system, it can encourage pests to make a home there. Aside from this being an annoyance, it can also start to lead to other problems. Birds leave droppings down the side of your home, while rats and other rodents eventually find their way into your home.
Reduce the Risk of Water Damage
Because there is nowhere for the water to drain, it can lead to sitting pools that result in damage. Stagnant water starts to cause major problems on your roof and even on the inside of your home. In the worst cases, you may end up needing restoration services. But even in the best-case scenario, you may still need to pay for minor repairs that easily could have been avoided.
Protect the Integrity of Your Roof
There are multiple ways a dirty gutter can cause damage to your roof. Firstly, when water builds up in your gutter and freezes, it can significantly weigh it down and actually start to tear away from the roof itself. Second, it can lead to foundation cracking, roof leaking, and other types of damage. A roof is a major investment, and avoiding gutter cleaning is one way to lessen your return on that investment by minimizing its integrity and, in turn, the protection it provides your home.
Boost Curb Appeal
Let’s face it—this may not be the most important factor here, but it’s still one worth considering. Not only are dirty gutters damaging, but they also really bring down the aesthetic appeal of your home. Especially if you’re trying to sell, it’s important to keep it looking tidy and taken care of.
Avoid Excessive Repair Costs
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: by not cleaning your gutters, you’re asking for repairs down the road. And yes, sometimes you may need small repairs anyway. You may have a storm roll through that chips a tile, or have a branch fall that requires repair. However, when you don’t take care of your gutter, you actually minimize the roof’s effectiveness and are likely to see more damage than you would otherwise.
What Can Happen if You Don’t Clean Your Gutters?
- Insect or pest infestation
- Water leaks
- Foundation damage
- Cracks
- Wood rot
- Black mold
- Sagging and water overflow
- Damaged landscaping
- Complete gutter replacement
- Moss growing
- Water staining
- Structural damage to the home
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
We highly recommend clearing your gutters and downspouts one or two times per year (especially after autumn when leaves are falling and pests are seeking shelter). This helps prevent critters from making themselves comfortable and ensures you don’t have any longstanding issues.
How to Clean Your Gutters
While it may not be at the top of your to-do list, cleaning your gutters is actually fairly simple. And if you keep up with it biannually, you won’t have as much caked-on debris or otherwise difficult issues to address.
Clear Out Debris and Buildup
First and foremost, make sure your gutters are completely clear. No dirt buildup, no fallen leaves, no dead bugs. This will make the rest of the process much easier, and will reduce the risk of any problems popping up.
Check the Water Flow
Make sure that water can flow easily throughout all of your gutters and down your downspouts. You may not be able to see blockages as easily in your downspouts, but they are just as important. Check to make sure everything is clear and you don’t have any cracks, leaks, or areas where there is sitting water.
Hire a Roofer to Complete Any Repairs
If you do notice any problems, it’s best to have them fixed right away. Issues left untreated can grow into bigger problems later. Even if they seem minor, we recommend giving your local roofer a call and having them do a quick repair, rather than waiting until the damage seems “worth it.”
Your Local Indianapolis Roofing Experts
At Indy Roof & Restoration, we are known for completely rethinking the roofing experience for Indianapolis homeowners. You should know exactly what’s going on with your home and feel confident and informed in your decisions.
To learn more about cleaning your gutters, schedule repairs, or get a free quote, please reach out to our friendly customer service team today.
