Just because you have gutters on your roofing does not mean that everything is set for the heavy rains. Uncleaned gutters can be dangerous to your roof and the overall safety of your home. When dirt and dust accumulate in the gutter, they may cause clogging, leading to flooding during a downpour. In this case, every homeowner must get their gutters cleaned. You may do it yourself if you have the expertise or get a professional to clean out the debris, birds’ nests, and dead leaves. Gutter Ethics LLC has the best team for roofing services that cover gutter installation, repair, and maintenance, among others.
What Happens When You Ignore Cleaning Your Gutters?
Picking up leaves and other debris may not seem like a big deal, but neglecting them could be a safety hazard. If you do not clean your gutters regularly, they will start clogging and lead to drainage issues during heavy rains. Also, poorly maintained gutters may cause structural damage to your home’s roofing material. Excess water may flow through the joints, causing leaks in your roofing.
If you see that your gutters are clogged, you may need them cleaned and maintained. You might ask yourself how often should you clean gutters? Well, cleaning and repairing should be part of your regular maintenance checklist.
How Will You Know Your Gutters Require Cleaning or Repair?
If you start experiencing the following, it might indicate that your gutters need immediate cleaning or maintenance.
Mold and Leaking Gutters
The first issue that could occur is leaking gutters. It happens when debris and grime are left in the gutters for a long time. It will clog the passageways that drain water from your roofing. The constant water flow will eventually cause the gutters to crack, thus affecting overall roof performance.
Staining Your Home’s Exterior
It can be an indication that debris is accumulating in your gutters. It may also be a result of a blocked downspout or overflow channel. If this occurs, it will damage your home’s exterior aesthetic.
Loose Shingles and Roof Damage
A loose roof is not good for this season or one to come. Water can cause damage to the shingles and other components such as gutters. If enough water enters the gaps, it can cause mold in the attic space. It may also cause rot near chimneys and other places prone to water intrusion.
Cracked Foundations
If you have cracked foundations, it could be because the water has entered the foundation and caused it to expand. The structure’s weight may also cause parts of your house to crack.
How Often Should You Clean Gutters?
Experts may recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year. It is often around the spring and autumn months. If you are cleaning your gutters for the first time or repairs are required, it is necessary to have professional help. They have the necessary experience and tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Is It Necessary To Replace Gutters?
It is worth considering having new gutters if current ones look questionable. For example, if your current gutter system is damaged, it will cause flooding in the home and affect the beauty of the exterior. New gutter systems preserve your roof and do not allow water to enter your home. We suggest that you get in touch with Gutter Ethics LLC and have them restore, repair, or install a new set of gutters.
How To Clean Your Gutters
You can do the following if you plan to clean your gutters:
- Wear gloves to protect the hands and wear goggles to protect the eyes.
- Wear a mask to help you breathe and keep dust out of your mouth while cleaning your gutters.
- The safety gutter cleaning machine is one option available for many homeowners.
- Using a ladder, remove the debris from your gutters using a handheld vacuum or broom. Ensure that all debris is removed as it can clog later when it rains heavily.
- Use the brush to sweep away leaves, twigs, and other loose debris.
- With the brush in hand, pull out the clog or blockage to prevent a potential leak or other problem.
- After clearing your gutters, pour water from a bucket into them higher up so that less debris gets in there during the cleaning in a bucket filled with water.
- Before putting down any hose, ensure that it is securely fastened to a secure place.
- Use a spray nozzle or hose to flush all debris out of your gutters into a storm drain or other location that is not your yard.
Gutter Ethics LLC is the company to contact if you need any roofing assistance. It provides comprehensive gutter repair, installation, and maintenance services. Also, it has been in business since 2001 and has experienced experts who can handle any gutter issue. Call us today to schedule an appointment.