Gutters are perhaps the most overlooked part of a house. While they don’t get the attention of the siding, windows, or other exterior features, they quietly work behind the scenes.
Your gutters play a critical role in keeping your house safe from various costly and potentially hazardous problems. Neglecting them will result in expensive repairs, structural integrity issues, and even health hazards. You’ll want to avoid the consequences of neglecting the gutters.
Here are five important reasons to be mindful of your gutters and tackle issues sooner rather than later with the help of a reputable company that can repair or replace gutters.
- Prevent Damage to the Foundation
Your home’s foundation is the most critical structural element — and your gutters help safeguard against water damage that can compromise the foundation. Gutters are designed to protect your home’s foundation from rainwater. Whenever your gutters are clogged or damaged — which can happen over time — rainwater spills over and washes around the foundation.
This water can, after some time, cause erosion of soil, cracks in foundations, or even flooding of the basement. In colder climate zones, water seeping through cracks can freeze and expand, making things worse. Foundation repairs can be costly — and the longer you delay doing so, the more damage will occur and the more costs you’ll have to shoulder.
Gutter cleaning is an easy, inexpensive, preventative measure against severe foundation issues.
- Maintain Your Roof and Fascia
If leaves, twigs, and other stuff clog up gutters, water will spill over onto the roof. The backup will damage the roofline over time by causing rot beneath the shingles and along the edge. The fascia board, the board at the edge of the roof, will be negatively impacted as well.
This kind of damage can compromise the stability of your roof and require partial or full roof replacement. Functional gutters enable your roof to drain water properly and extend the lifespan of your shingles. You can prevent issues by cleaning gutters regularly.
- Prevent Pest Infestations
Clogged gutters that pool water are more than a drainage problem — they’re a welcome haven for pests. Mosquitoes, for example, will hatch in patches of water. That means filthy gutters can become the perfect nursery for these flying menaces. Rodents, birds, and insects can also make their way into your home or attic if roof damage, such as that caused by gutters, facilitates entry.
Once inside, they can mess up insulation, wiring, and wood frames — not to mention the potential health hazards. Having clean and functioning gutters will allow you to prevent pest infestation. As is often the case, preventing problems is less costly than fixing them.
- Landscaping and Curb Appeal
If gutters are clogged and overflowing with water, pooling rainwater can erode the soil, push the mulch around, and kill plants or shrubs that were planted near the foundation.
Your beautiful, well-manicured lawn can become an unsightly mud field overnight.
In addition, water pooling around your home may create stains on siding, sidewalks, and driveways. These issues not only will hurt your home’s appearance but also will detract from its value. Whether you’re looking to sell your home or want to beautify your real estate investment, well-maintained gutters can help.
- Avoid Expensive Repairs
A minor issue — a clogged section of the gutter or a loose hanger, for instance — can lead to costly repairs if ignored for too long. Water damage, rodent infestation, roof leaks, and foundation issues can cost a small fortune. So, prioritizing gutter maintenance is vital.
Paying to have the gutters cleaned professionally or gutter guards installed will cost you. But compared to having to fix the foundation, it’s one worth paying. In most situations, however, regular upkeep will be all that is required to keep your gutters working for years without issues.
Gutters are not a matter of daily maintenance, but ignoring them entirely or for too long will lead to problems in the future. To protect the foundation of your home and ward off issues, ensure your gutters are in good working order.
It’s a good idea to inspect and clean your gutters at least twice a year. And if you’ve got lots of trees or reside in a rainy region, you might require more gutter cleanings annually.
By taking care of your gutters, you’re protecting your entire house. And that’s worth the investment.
