Eavestroughs are designed to collect rainwater and debris and carry them away, so they don’t sit on your roof. Over time eavestroughs can become clogged with dirt, leaf litter, animal nests and even garbage!
Cleaning your eavestroughs, also known as gutters, is important for a number of reasons.
Prevent Water Damage: Eavestroughs are designed to channel rainwater and melting snow away from your roof and foundation. If they are clogged with leaves, debris, or dirt, water can overflow and pool around the foundation of your home. This can lead to water damage, basement flooding, and even structural issues over time.
Avoid Roof Damage: When eavestroughs are blocked, water can back up onto your roof. This can lead to the deterioration of roofing materials, including shingles and underlayment. In cold climates, trapped water can freeze, causing ice dams that further damage your roof and gutters.
Prevent Mold and Mildew: Standing water in clogged eavestroughs creates a moist environment that’s ideal for the growth of mold, mildew, and algae. These can spread onto your roof, walls, and even into your home, leading to health issues and the need for expensive cleaning and remediation.
Protect Landscaping: Overflowing eavestroughs can send water cascading onto your landscaping, eroding soil, damaging plants, and creating unsightly puddles. Properly functioning gutters help direct water away from your landscape, preserving its beauty and health.
Prevent Insect Infestations: Leaves and debris in clogged gutters can serve as a breeding ground for insects like mosquitoes, ants, and termites. These pests can then make their way into your home, causing annoyance and potential structural damage.
Maintain Structural Integrity: Excess water around your foundation can compromise its stability over time. The soil can become saturated and unstable, leading to shifts in the foundation, cracks in walls, and other structural issues.
Extend Lifespan of Gutters: Regular cleaning prevents the accumulation of heavy debris that can strain and damage the gutters. This helps extend the lifespan of your eavestroughs, saving you money on repairs or replacements.
Prevent Basement Flooding: When water is not properly directed away from your home, it can seep into the basement or crawl space, leading to flooding and water damage.
Maintain Curb Appeal: Clogged and overflowing gutters can be unsightly and give your home a neglected appearance. Regular maintenance, including eavestrough cleaning, contributes to the overall curb appeal of your property.
Save Money: Regular cleaning and maintenance of your eavestroughs can prevent costly repairs and damage to your home’s foundation, roof, and interior. Spending a little on maintenance can save you a lot in the long run.
As a rule, your eavestroughs should be cleaned and checked for repairs twice a year. Once in the Fall, after all of the leaves have fallen but before it snows and again in the late Spring after all of the snow has melted.
Maintaining the cleanliness and structure of your eavestroughs will prevent more issues down the road, saving you time and money in the long-run. If you’re uncomfortable with heights or lack the necessary equipment, consider hiring a professional gutter cleaning service like Core Cleaning to ensure the job is done safely and thoroughly.