Clogged Gutters = Costly Repairs
Gutter maintenance is one of the most important aspects of owning a home. However, it is also one of the most commonly over looked. Remember that saying; out of sight out of mind? Not in this case. You need to get up there and check your gutters for damage and/or clogging. If you do this on a regular scheduled basis, you will prevent costly damage from occurring and therefore, save you money.
What damages can a clogged gutter cause?
Here are the most common and costly damages that occur when your gutter is unkept and clogged;
- Water damage
- Pest infestation
- Foundation damage
Water Damage
I think this is pretty self explanatory because the purpose of your gutters is to manage water. Gutters are specifically designed to do one job: move water. They are responsible for moving rainwater away from your home and depositing it a safe distance away. Therefore, if your gutters are damaged or clogged, they may not be able to accomplish this job. In addition, that water could cause serious damage, such as stained siding, roof leaks, water damage inside of walls and ceilings and even potential flooding. But lucky for you, by routinely checking your gutters for damage and any clogging, you can easily prevent this issue.
Want to learn more about gutter cleaning? Check out this previous article; 4 Tips for Winter Gutter Maintenance.
Pest Infestation
Another common issue that occurs from a malfunctioning gutter is the infestation of insects and rodents. You would actually be surprised how often this occurs. This is due to the stagnant water in a clogged gutter. That water is a breeding ground for pests, they love it! Mosquitos are the most drawn to still water, and probably the most annoying insect to have living on your property. In addition to the insects, rodents can easily find their way into your home after being attracted to the water. They can quickly cause expensive structural damage, and leave unsanitary messes behind.
Foundation Damage
I think this is pretty self-explanatory. If your gutter is damaged or clogged and not functioning properly, water will not be carried to a safe location. This will cause water to build up directly around your homes foundation, loosening the soil and loosening your foundation. Gutters are mainly designed for this reason, it’s extremely important. A foundation in New Jersey repair is beyond expensive and serious pain to repair. It is much cheaper to clean your gutters often. In addition, if water is not properly directed away from your home, your landscaping and be destroyed as well. Water will build up and erode the soil causing plants to die.
Annual Gutter Inspection and Cleaning
If you have read this entire article, you can see the damage clogged gutters can cause. If you fail to have your gutters cleaned in New Jersey, serious, costly damage will occur. Depending on the exact location if your home, we recommend inspecting your gutters one to three times a year. And at minimum, I recommend having them cleaned once a year.
When inspecting your gutters, you are checking for and debris along with the water flow in the downspouts. Furthermore, check fir any loose or hanging gutters. Take your time as some damage is hard to see and can cause internal leaks. When in doubt, always hire a professional to inspect and clean your gutters.
