Why Is Gutter Cleaning Important
A home’s gutter system controls the flow of rainwater off a roof and down a downspout that directs rainwater away from the house’s walls, foundation and landscape. Clogged gutters can lead to costly problems. Gutter cleaning is a tedious but necessary task that’s best done by professionals. The cost of a gutter cleaning service varies by location, season and scheduling.
Debris Buildup
Clogged gutters hinder the efficient drainage of rainwater from your home, potentially leading to expensive and preventable damage. The standard goal is to clean your gutters twice a year, once in the fall and again in the spring.
Gutter cleaning is a difficult job that requires the proper tools. You’ll need a ladder, someone to spot you, a trowel, two buckets with wire hooks, a garden hose with a nozzle and a pair of work gloves. It’s best to do this project on dry days because water-soaked debris will be heavier and harder to remove.
Begin the project by thoroughly removing all leaves, twigs and debris from the gutter system (wearing gloves). Then use the hose to flush out the downspouts. This will help to dislodge clogs and wash away residual dirt, salt and mineral buildup. It’s also important to inspect the gutter system after each cleaning. Check for holes, cracks, loose sections and rust spots that need to be repaired.
Water Damage
The gutter system is designed to direct rainwater off the roof, into a channel and down a downspout that directs water away from the house’s foundation. Without clean gutters, water will overflow and saturate the ground and walls around the home, potentially staining the siding and deteriorating the appearance of roofing shingles.
Clogged gutters can also create waterfalls over the sides of the home, often in inconvenient locations like directly above front or back doors. Not only does this look unsightly, but it can actually create a slipping hazard for anyone walking by.
In addition, clogged gutters cause water to overflow onto the roof, which can damage the shingles and rot the wood framing. This can result in expensive repairs that would be much less costly if regular gutter cleaning were done. Ideally, gutters should be cleaned twice a year; once in the late fall and once in spring. This ensures that the gutters and downspouts are always free of clogging debris.
Pest Infestation
Gutter systems are designed to direct rainwater away from the walls, roof and foundation of a home. But if they are clogged, the water can overflow and cause damage to the home’s structure, as well as wet basements and moldy ceilings. Gutters filled with debris also make desirable homes for rodents and other pests.
Over 28,000 people are injured each year in ladder-related accidents during home cleaning projects, and gutter maintenance is among the most dangerous. If you’re not confident in your ability to safely tackle this task, or if you don’t have a tall enough ladder, it’s best to hire a professional gutter cleaning service.
When you’re ready to begin cleaning your gutters, start at the drain outlet and use a garden trowel or gutter scoop to remove large debris. Then, flush the remaining dirt and debris from the gutter with a garden hose. This will help prevent the clogging of your downspouts. For the best results, use a nozzle with a strong stream of water to spray the debris from the top and sides of the gutter.
Health Issues
Clogged rain gutters create the perfect environment for mildew and mold to grow. The decomposing leaves, twigs and other debris in the gutter can mix with stale water to create an ideal breeding ground for these organisms. As they grow, these organisms can contaminate the interior of your home as well as surrounding landscaping. This can cause respiratory problems, allergies and a whole host of other health issues.
While gutters may seem like a low priority for many homeowners, it is important to remember that they play a crucial role in protecting your home. Gutters help channel rainwater away from your foundation, which can prevent rot and other costly water damage. Regular cleaning will ensure that your gutters continue to function properly. Homeowners who choose to clean their own gutters face a risk of injury from falling off ladders. This can result in head injuries, fractured bones and even death. A professional service that specializes in gutter cleaning has the proper tools and training to perform this task safely.
South Jordan Window Cleaning
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=7869229817091528849
9192 S 300 W Suite 14, Sandy, UT 84070
(801) 790-0080
https://www.southjordanwindowcleaning.com/
