Gutters are vital components of the property’s drainage system, particularly the roof. As the roof ages, they protect your property and contents from natural elements such as rain, hail, and wind. Maintaining your home’s gutters is crucial for preventing rainwater blockages and roof leaks, avoiding basement flooding around your property, and avoiding internal damage to furniture and electrical appliances.
Your roof and gutter work together to divert excess rainwater, allowing it to travel safely down the building’s foundation and into the stormwater drainage. Sometimes, however, 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 the effective movement of 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 roof inspection to ensure every area is free from debris, rust, and damage.
Sometimes, pests such as birds, insects, mice, and rats can enter your gutters. They 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. A gutter guard is also recommended. 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.
Water often pools if enough leaves, dirt, and other materials get stuck inside your gutters and downpipes. If not treated immediately, the damage to your property’s exterior and interior can be significant.
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 adequately 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!
