Fall is officially upon us which means it’s time to prepare your home for those cold, rainy months ahead. One way you can ensure you don’t have any unwanted expenses this season is to maintain and upkeep your gutters. The National Center For Healthy Housing recommends cleaning them during the fall and spring. Neglecting to do so can result in damage to your roof as well as other areas of your home. Here are a few additional reasons why gutter cleaning is important.
ROTTING WOOD
A problem you could potentially face by choosing not to clean your gutters is having the surrounding wood begin to rot. When debris clogs your gutters, the rainwater doesn’t have anywhere to go. This causes it to accumulate in pockets next to the wood that runs along the perimeter of your roof. The surrounding area will begin to mold and rot because of this collection of rainwater.
UNWANTED PESTS
When leaves, branches, and other yard debris accrue in your gutters, it becomes the perfect location for birds, squirrels, and other critters to congregate. If these unwanted pests live in your gutters, it can cause them to overflow and sag. The other pest you should be aware of is ants, as they have a tendency to gather in regions that are moist. The best way to avoid having to deal with them inside your home is to eliminate the areas outside of it where they like to accumulate.
INTERIOR DAMAGE
If your gutters become clogged, there is a good chance that it could lead to interior damage. This happens when the water gets backed up onto the roof and then begins to leak through the shingles, insulation, and drywall. This could then lead to the rotting of wall studs which can result in expensive repairs. The damage can be multiplied if it gets cold enough to freeze over.
CRACKING FOUNDATION
Having the water overflow from your gutters is a clear indication that it’s time to clean them out. If you let this persist, you’re risking damage to the foundation that your home sits on. When water seeps into the foundation, it causes soil expansion which can cause cracks and leakages due to additional pressure being applied to the walls of the foundation. These issues can cause significant problems for your home’s structural integrity and greatly decrease its value.
Gutter cleaning may seem like a project you can tackle down the road, but it’s better to be proactive. If you wait until an issue, such as a leaky roof, arises you may have to spend thousands of dollars in roof repairs.
Save time and money this fall by consistently maintaining your gutters. If you’re concerned that you may need your roof checked out before the rain comes, contact the Oregon Roof Guys.
