When it comes to maintaining a home, we can all agree that many different responsibilities have to be carried out. However, one crucial home maintenance step is often overlooked; gutter cleaning.
In the UK, our homes are subject to a variety of weather conditions, including heavy rain and falling leaves in Autumn. Keeping your gutters clean is essential, and doing so will benefit you in the long run, minimising the risk of further damage to your home.
Make sure to read below for why regular gutter cleaning should be a priority for every homeowner, written by the experts here at Total Drainage Services.
Prevent Water Damage
The primary function of a gutter is to channel rainwater away from your roof and the foundations of the property. When your gutter becomes clogged with leaves, twigs and other debris, water can overflow and seep into your roof and home.
This can quickly become severe water damage including leaks, dampness, mould growth and even serious structural damage.
Cleaning your guttering out regularly will keep the water flowing correctly and protect your home from these issues.
Avoid The Risk of Pests
Clogged gutters can also be the perfect breeding group for pests such as mosquitos, rodents and birds.
The standing water attracts insects and the trapped debris is a perfect nesting place for birds and small animals.
Keeping your gutters clean will remove this blockage and eliminate the potential habitats that can lead to infestations inside and outside your home.
Help Your Gutters To Last For Longer
This accumulated debris can also cause added weight which causes sagging that pulls the guttering away from your home. This will result in the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Regular gutter maintenance will ensure the structural integrity of your gutters, making them last longer and function properly.
Increase The Longevity Of Your Roof
As aforementioned, a blocked gutter can turn into an overflowing gutter. This overflowing water could run onto the roof, leading to rotting fascia boards and soffits.
In colder months, a blocked gutter can contribute to ice dams, potentially damaging the roof shingles and causing leaks.
Keep Up Your Home’s Aesthetic Appeal
An overflowing gutter is also the cause of unsightly stains on the side of houses, and more seriously, this water can erode the foundations and landscaping of your home, causing structural damage.
Save money on additional costs involved in the upkeep of the aesthetics of your home, such as repainting and repointing, and even structural works on the foundations.
Save Yourself Money in the Long Run
Hiring professionals may seem like an unnecessary cost at first, especially when you’re feeling confident that you can clean out your gutters yourself. However, it’ll save you time, effort and also money in the long run.
Prevent water damage, pest infestations, structural issues and all of the bills that come as a result of these issues, all by investing in routine gutter cleaning.
Enhance Safety
Cleaning your gutters can seem like a hazardous task, especially for those who don’t have the proper equipment or experience to do so. Climbing ladders and reaching beyond your limits can pose huge risks of injury, so by scheduling regular gutter cleaning from a professional, you can rest assured that your gutters have been cleaned safely and efficiently.
Regular gutter cleaning is a vital part of home maintenance. You shouldn’t overlook this task. The weather can be particularly harsh in the UK especially in the winter months, so ensuring that your gutters are clear and that water is running freely will protect your home and save you money in the long run.
