Cleaning gutters is nobody’s favorite task, but it is an important job to do if you want to prolong the life of your roof. Clogged gutters result from negligence on the homeowner’s part, and it is very likely to lead to worse problems. The following are major ways in which clogged gutters can damage your home.
Foundation And Basement Damage
A well-functioning gutter will take water that pours on your roof from the rain and carry it through a downspout and away from your home, but when your gutter is clogged, water spills over and pours the side of your home. This will cause your foundation to crack, and soon after, you will begin to see water in your basement. Wet flooring is a breeding ground for mold, which can cause various health issues.
Interior Damage
Clogged gutters allow water to gather on the roof, and this causes roof leaks, which would then cause water damage to your ceilings and walls. The result would be rot and mold, and water damage done to your interior can be costly to repair.
Broken Gutters
Leaves and debris can clog your gutters, and they can absorb water. The more water they hold onto, the higher the risks of your gutter sagging and breaking. Once this happens, you would have to replace your gutters, which is more expensive than how much it’d cost to repair them.
Lost Landscaping
Clogged gutters can damage your beautiful garden beds, and spillover from your gutters can be imperative to your garden. Gutters are meant to protect by preventing the vast amount of water from pouring onto foundation plantings, but only if the gutters are well maintained and function as they should. Otherwise, it wouldn’t take more than a heavy downpour to wipe out the landscape you’ve invested so much in.
What To Do With Clogged Gutters?
Gutters are an integral part of your roof system. If you want to keep your home in top condition, you have to clean them. If you decide to carry out the cleaning by yourself, bear the following safety rules in mind:
- Your ladder must be sturdy, safe, and large enough to carry your weight. Don’t stand on the top three rungs of a ladder; that is a dangerous position to be in. Ensure there is someone close by in case of an emergency.
- Use the proper tools. A ladder and your hands aren’t the only gutter cleaning tools. Protective eyewear, thick gloves, a scooping tool, and a bucket are all additional tools to make the job easier and safer.
- Know when to call a professional. If you find out that the job is too strenuous or you are very safety conscious, call a professional to do the job for you.