Your gutters are an essential part of your roof, and they must be free of debris at all times. When gutters aren’t clean, plenty of problems can arise. Make it your goal this year to make gutter cleaning a regular part of your home maintenance. Your roof, your foundation, your basement, and your bank account will thank you.
The 10 gutter cleaning benefits your neighbors aren’t talking about
It’s true: You can avoid at least 10 major home maintenance issues just by keeping your gutters clean.
Here are some serious (and pricey) problems that can be prevented:
1. Fascia and gutter damage.
The fascia is the board mounted just below the roof, and it’s where gutters are connected.
Keep in mind that:
- Clogged gutters tend to overflow.
- The water spilled will get into the fascia boards, causing damage.
The fascia isn’t the only material affected by a clogged gutter. With the gutter itself carrying that extra weight, it’s also bound to get damaged over time.
2. Ice dams.
During colder weather, the water in a clogged gutter will turn into ice, creating another problem you’ll have to deal with all season long. One of the functions of the gutter is to prevent icicles from forming on the roof as they can damage the shingles. An obstructed gutter makes matters worse; the added weight of the ice can practically rip the gutter off the roof.
3. Leaky roof.
The roof protects your home from changing weather conditions — more specifically from the sun, snow, and rain. Clogged gutters are likely to cause a leaky roof because water and melted ice aren’t flowing well through the drain. The water stays in the roof until it finds its way into the insulation, drywall, and plaster.
4. Interior damage.
Once the water has moved into the ceiling and wall cavities, it’ll cause stains. Water stains on the ceiling can easily be repainted, but those on the wall require intensive repair. The moisture could rot the wall and produce mold, considered to be serious damage.
5. Foundation cracks.
A blocked gutter could affect everything in your home, including the foundation.
Keep in mind that:
- Overflowing water from the gutter can go anywhere, but it’ll most likely run all the way down into the creases of your home’s foundation.
- The water that collects there could freeze during the winter season, which can affect the strength and integrity of the foundation.
The reason why a complex network of gutters and downspouts are installed in your home is to make sure that rainwater goes to the right place. Otherwise, rainwater can saturate every piece of wood and concrete slab it comes in contact with.
Refinance and a really friendly loan officer, all in one place.
6. Basement flooding.
Another thing many homeowners aren’t aware of is the fact that the root cause of basement flooding could be overflowing gutters. If it wasn’t caused by a broken pipe, then it must be the gutters. Check the functionality of your gutters to be sure.
7. Overflowing garden beds.
The water flowing off clogged gutters will spill onto flower beds, so it’ll definitely affect your lawn too. If you drown all your plants with rainwater due to irregular gutter maintenance, then you’ll have to redo the landscaping that you’ve invested so much time and money in.
8. Pest infestation.
Critters, mosquitos, and a lot of other insects that thrive in stagnant water will become a major problem if your gutters are blocked.
Keep in mind that:
- When gutters aren’t maintained, you’re actually giving pests a place to breed and multiply.
- Even seemingly small pests can do major damage to your home.
Leaves stuck in a gutter invite animals, like rats, mice, and birds, to think of the gutter as a lair or nesting place. Pests are the unwanted guests in your home, and professional extraction can be costly.
9. Decreased safety and comfort.
No matter how you look at it, clogged gutters threaten your own peace of mind. Just imagine contaminated water finding its way into your tap. The water full of organic matter and organisms stuck in the gutter for a significant amount of time can contribute to a slew of health problems. That’s how mold and mildew grow, for starters.
10. Lowered home value.
A clogged and broken gutter is certainly an eyesore.
Keep in mind that:
- If you want to boost the curb appeal of your home (whether you’re planning to sell or not), you should never neglect your gutters.
- Gutters that are about to fall off are easily spotted by guests to your home, as well as prospective buyers.
A task easy enough to knock out in a weekend can reap big dividends. Compare the time and energy spent on gutter cleaning to the average cost of roof replacement at $8,630 or foundation repair at $4,685. By prioritizing gutter care, you’ll preserve and likely improve your home’s value by keeping your property protected from structural damage. Consult Lowe’s handy tutorial for guidance.
How much has your home’s value increased?
Today’s homeowners are sitting on large amounts of equity. If that piques your interest, get in touch. You could potentially cash out on thousands of dollars in equity to renovate your home, cover college costs, pay off high-interest debt, and so much more. It never hurts to explore your options.
While refinancing could make a significant difference in the amount you pay each month, there are other costs you should consider. Plus, your finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan.
For educational purposes only. Please contact your qualified professional for specific guidance.
Sources are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.