If you're like most homeowners, you don't think about your gutters until there's a problem. And when that problem arises, it's usually a big one! Water overflowing from clogged gutters can damage your home's foundation and landscaping and create a serious safety hazard. Regular gutter maintenance protects your home from damage.
How Gutters Protect Your Home and Property
Gutters Protect Your Home's Foundation
Water is one of the most destructive forces on the planet. When it overflows from gutters, it can erode the soil around your home's foundation and cause cracks and water infiltration. Your gutters play an essential role in your home's drainage system, helping to move water away from the foundation and keeping your home and yard in good condition.
Gutters Extend The Life of Your Roof
Your roof is one of the most critical parts of your home and one of the most expensive to replace. When gutters are full of leaves and debris, they can put added stress on your roof, leading to premature wear and tear. If your roof collects too much water that doesn’t drain properly through the gutters and downspouts, it can cause expensive damage to your roof, attic, walls, and more.
Gutters Protect Your Landscaping
Landscaping is expensive, and you don't want your hard work washed away in a storm! Overflowing gutters can deposit water next to your home, seeping into the ground and damaging your plants. Also, if heavy rainwater is not directed away from flowers and shrubs, they can severely damage them by the sheer force of the water coming off the roof. Downspouts and gutter extensions are vital to whisking the water away from your home's foundation and landscaping.
Gutters Protect Your Home’s Structural Integrity
Water that overflows from gutters can damage your home's siding and even infiltrate your window seals, especially if you have older windows. Excessive water run-off can make your trim, fascia boards, and siding soaking wet, leading to rot. If you live in a damp area with high humidity, the wood may never fully dry out, which hastens rot. In Missouri and other states with termite issues, excessive moisture and wood rot are two factors that often lead to costly termite infestations.
Gutters Help Save On Energy Bills
When gutters are clogged with leaves and debris, they won't be able to do their job correctly. This can cause water to drip down the side of your home, leading to higher energy bills in winter and summer. In the winter, the extra moisture can cause your heating bill to go up as your HVAC system works overtime to keep your home dry. In the summer, the extra moisture can lead to higher air conditioning bills because the house feels damp. Keeping your gutters clean can help you save money on your energy bills all year round.
How to Avoid Gutter Damage
If too much debris is in your gutters and downspouts, the gutters may sag from the weight and tear away from your home. Over time, all gutters age and need repairs, so it’s essential to regularly check your gutter system to ensure it’s clear and performing to the best of its ability. The best way to avoid gutter damage is with regular maintenance and cleaning.
How Often Do Gutters Need to Be Cleaned?
Your gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Debris, including leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other organic materials, can accumulate in your gutters, clogging them and preventing water from flowing away from your home. More frequent cleaning may be necessary if you live in a heavily wooded area. Installing gutter guards can help reduce the amount of debris that collects in your gutters.
Safety Tips for Cleaning Gutters
Cleaning your gutters can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper safety precautions. If you’re afraid of heights or don’t feel safe on a ladder, hire a professional to take care of the job. Follow these tips from Bob Vila on the five best ways to clean your gutters.
If you decide to do it yourself, always follow these safety tips:
- Use a good-quality ladder
- Check the ladder every time you use it
- Have someone steady the ladder while you’re on it
- Check the gutters to ensure no animals or insects are inside them
- Wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection
- Never attempt to clean your gutters while standing on your roof
Call a Trusted Local Roofing Company
Since 1999, Brian Dawson Roofing has installed residential and commercial roofing systems throughout the greater St. Louis region. Because all of our work is done under warranty and fully insured, you'll have peace of mind knowing your new roof is dependable and long-lasting. In addition to roofing, we install windows, siding, and gutters. If you need new gutters, call us today. We would be happy to discuss your options and provide a free estimate.
Contact us online or at (636) 733-6435 to schedule a free inspection and consultation. Our experienced professionals will arrive on time, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to detect leaks and other problems your roof may have. Our mission is to provide quality roofing services and top-notch customer service, all at a competitive price.