Gutters are vital components of the property’s drainage system, particularly the roof. They protect your property and contents from natural elements such as rain, hail, and wind. As the roof ages, maintaining your home’s gutters is crucial for preventing rainwater blockages, roof leaks and prevent basement flooding around your property, and internal damage to furniture and electrical appliances.
Your roof and gutter work together to divert excess rainwater water and allow the safe travel of rainwater down the foundation of the building and into the stormwater drainage. Sometimes, the gutter may become clogged. Neglected or blocked gutters trap moisture, debris, leaves, and dirt, making them heavy and causing them to sag. This can cause severe issues for your house.
Proper maintenance of the gutters and downpipes will stop water overflow and protect your home from mould, water damage, and potential flooding. You may be experiencing problems besides your clogged gutters, such as rust and incorrect installation or a leaky roof that can rot roof rails. This can also cause issues with clogged gutters and effectively moving rainwater and debris.
Signs of Blocked Gutters
You can spot a gutter problem if you notice any of these signs. These can happen over time, so it is best to monitor your home frequently. You can hire a professional gutter cleaning company to thoroughly inspect your roof and gutter system’s condition and get professional gutter cleaning services. Doing so will save you costly emergency repairs in the future. Some signs may include the following:
- Birds around the top area of your property.
- Nesting insects such as bees or wasps nearby
- Overflow of water in heavy rainfall
- Heavy looking gutters
- Vegetation and plant growth inside the clogged gutter
- Rotting wood on the fascia
- Discoloured or mouldy walls or exterior
How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned?
Gutter maintenance should be carried out at least twice a year, particularly around Autumn, when leaves, twigs and other debris begin to fall from trees. Contact a professional plumber; they can clean your gutters and inspect the condition of your roof and surrounding area.
Licensed companies have the proper safety equipment to clean and maintain your home. We recommend you request a thorough inspection of your roof to be sure every area is free from debris, rust, and damage.
Sometimes pests such as birds, insects, and even mice and rats can make their way into your gutters and often work into the guttering system and build nests. This job is always best for a professional plumber or pest control company that can safely remove these animals. Keep the gutter free from obstructions and ensure the critters are safe.
If you notice damp walls or mould growing, there could be an issue with clogged gutters due to leaves. The weight of leaves and dirt can interrupt the water flow, cause flooding, and interfere with the structure of your property.
Is Gutter Cleaning Worth It?
It is important to make it a priority to have your gutters clean and working at their best. It is also recommended to install a gutter guard. Gutter guards can trap the debris off your roof.
But gutters guard won’t be enough. A well-maintained roof, gutter system, and clean gutters are essential as they protect you from the elements. The benefits of gutter cleaning far outweigh the disadvantages.
Having your clogged gutters cleaned by a professional company every year will reduce the risk of leakages and water damage inside your home. You want to ensure the team you find is licensed and experienced in roofing maintenance and cleaning your gutter.
Professional roofing and gutter cleaning can inform you of other plumbing problems you would otherwise miss. Maintaining your property can reduce the cost of major plumbing repairs and add years to your property value. Thorough gutter cleaning is essential and shouldn’t be ignored.
With enough leaves, dirt, and other material stuck inside your gutter and downpipes, you will often deal with water pooling. If not treated immediately, the results can be major to the exterior and interior of your property.
Regardless of the season, having a fully functioning home and plumbing is essential to the safety and well-being of the household and yourself.
Ensure your property and contents are properly protected against the elements with regular gutter cleaning and maintenance. It is worth it; the benefits are a dry home and a protected household.
You can read our previous post about the nine most common plumbing problems and how best to fix them. All plumbing concerns, such as leaks and blocked gutters, can be rectified by contacting a licensed plumber.
Take care of your most valuable asset and protect what is most important to you. Check your gutter system and see if it’s functioning well. Keep your gutters clean and prevent clogged gutters, roof leaks, water damage, and basement flooding.
Clean your gutters regularly!
