It may not be at the top of the to-do list, but gutter cleaning is an important part of home maintenance. If left unaddressed, dirty or clogged gutters can cause roof collapse, extensive water damage to your foundation and impact the beautiful aesthetic of your home. The benefits of gutter cleaning go far beyond just affecting your home’s appearance and may even impact the health and safety of your family. As one of Wichita’s trusted roofing companies, Dingers Roofing & Construction explains why cleaning your gutters is essential for Wichita homeowners.
Prevent Water Damage
It’s no secret that water damage leads to high repair costs and structural damage. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage makes up for over 28% of residential property damage in the United States. Clogged gutters prevent rain water from draining through your downspouts, which eventually overflow and allow water to seep into your home’s foundation. Over time, that water creates cracks in cement and wood. This can also weaken the structural integrity of your roof by creating additional weight that may lead to a roof collapse in extreme situations.
Based on cost data provided by Angi, homeowners spend an average of $3,785 every year on water damage repairs and restoration. When gutters are cleaned regularly, you can prevent water damage to your home and avoid safety concerns. In the long-run this can also save you thousands on home repairs and gutter replacement.
Avoid Pest Infestations
Clogged gutters are an ideal breeding ground for pests. Often filled with leaves, twigs and stagnant water, gutter systems allow mosquitoes, birds and rodents to thrive. Left unchecked, those pests can pose health risks to you and your family by promoting disease transmission and spreading pathogens, ultimately causing respiratory issues along with allergic reactions.
The Environmental Protection Agency suggests disposing of any standing water to help prevent pests like mosquitoes from spreading. Cleaning your gutters twice a year in the spring and fall is a great way to prevent pests from using debris for nests. However, you may need to clean gutters more frequently depending on your landscape and number of trees.
Preserve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Not only do overflowing gutters look unappealing but they also cause damage to your home’s exterior. Overflowing gutters often leak and stain your home’s siding or leave streaks on bricks and windows. This leads to lower curb appeal and further water damage. In the long run, routine care not only makes your home look great but also helps you sell your home when it comes time to move. The National Association of Realtors states that 92% of realtors suggest homeowners improve their overall curb appeal prior to selling their home. One way to do this is through simple, routine maintenance and gutter cleaning. Doing so shows buyers that the home was well maintained, safe and less risk for damage.
Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof
One of the most valuable reasons to clean gutters is to extend the lifespan of your roof. Built up leaves, twigs and debris trap water against your roof. Given enough time, that water will create roof leaks, damage the support systems and lead to early repairs. To help your roof last longer, start cleaning blockages regularly. This allows the trapped water to safely travel through the downspouts, successfully protecting your home from water damage, and maintaining your beautiful roof.
Ensure a Healthy Home Environment
Gutters and downspouts are perfect hiding places for mold and mildew, which grow in damp, dark conditions with organic material. This makes clogged gutters the ideal place for them to thrive. In some cases, this mold and mildew can release spores inside your home, affecting indoor air quality and posing health risks for those with allergies and respiratory concerns. For thorough cleaning you may want to rely on gutter cleaning services. Professional level gutter cleaning will help eliminate as much mold and mildew as possible while extending the lifespan of your gutters.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning your gutters and prioritizing regular maintenance is a key part of overall home care. By focusing on keeping your gutters clean, you can keep your home safer, family healthier and even increase the curb appeal of your home. Contact Dingers Roofing & Construction today if you have questions on how to properly clean gutters or you have additional questions.