Winter weather has wrecked havoc this year with ice, snow and unrelenting cold, however Spring is now back! With the warmer weather, comes the necessary tasks of landscaping and home repairs that keep minor issues from becoming major problems in the future. One of the most important home maintenance tasks is gutter cleaning. Many homeowners may put off this task until all of the leaves have fallen, or don’t put this as a top priority, however putting this on the back burner can become one of the most costly mistakes.
So, what happens if gutters are left clogged? Here is a list of some of the major problems that can occur…
Ice Dams & Freezing
Water freezes inside of the gutters and can damage the actual gutter and can be very expensive to replace. The weight of the ice and gunk inside can also pull the gutter away from the house. The gutter can be pulled from down from the weight and also damage other exterior elements such as lights or paint. Also, freezing water expands when it gets beneath shingles and siding and can also create cracks and leaks to the home exterior.
Water Damage
When gutters become clogged, the water that typically flows through the gutter and is directed away from the home, has no-where else to go. The gutters will leak, and can cause water to sit along the siding or wood near the side of the house. Water damage to siding, stains, and paint chipping can all occur if this water sits and seeps into the side of the home. When water is flowing over the gutters it can cause the gutter board to rot.
Mold & Mildew
When water sits too close to the side of a house, gets beneath the siding and into the walls, or pools around the foundation there is a chance for mold or mildew to develop. Without being treated, these allergens can cause major damage to the foundations, but also pose dangerous health hazards. Mold and mildew can be deadly pathogens if they are left untreated within a home and can be expensive to remove and cause extremely hard to repair.
Insects
Not only does stagnate water cause mold and mildew, it can be a breeding ground for insects that can be very harmful to the health of your home. Termites are prevalent in places that can hold moisture and love to sink their teeth into damaged wood. Misquitoes also live in environments with moisture, clogged gutters provide the ideal home. Insect removal can not only be costly when they damage the home structurally, but they are unappealing pests that can easily avoided.
Curb Appeal
Looking to sell your home? Clean gutters can not only be a great move for your home’s health, but provide a great first impression to potential buyers. Put the best foot forward and spruce up the home exterior by taking the time to clean the sticks, dirt, and leaves from the gutters.
Overall, a little maintenance now, can go a long way to avoid potential disasters and pricey problems down the road.
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