Regular gutter cleaning is one of the most important outdoor chores that homeowners have to undertake, especially during the fall season. When leaves, dirt and sticks begin to clump together inside your gutters, they can lead to a whole host of problems both outside and inside of your home.
These are the most common problems caused by clogged gutters:
Basement Flooding
If you’ve ever looked out the window during a heavy rain and seen water cascading down and out of your gutters (kind of like a waterfall), that is a true sign that your gutters need to be cleaned.
Water should never be allowed to accumulate so close to your foundation. It’s your gutter system’s job to direct it safely away from your foundation. Otherwise, you could wind up with a lot of water seeping through your foundation and into your basement.
Prevent Ice Dams
It is very important for homeowners with gutters in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas to have their gutter system cleaned before the winter rolls in. When gutters are left uncleaned throughout the winter, ice dams can and will begin to form.
Ice dams form when snow melts on your roof and the resulting water freezes. They can cause severe damage to your roof and create leaks that allow water into your home. Although there are many causes for the formulation of ice dams, clogged gutters create a nice little foundation for them to grow on. If the weight of the ice and snow becomes too much, a house’s gutters can buckle and tear away from the roof.
Pest Infestations
If you’ve ever cleaned your gutters before, you know it’s a messy, sticky job that involves pulling a lot of gunk and debris out of the gutter system. Cleaning this mess up is important because it prevents animals, insects and bacteria from becoming residents of your gutter system.
When gutters are filled with leaves and stick, they make the perfect nesting areas for squirrels, birds and other little critters who makes themselves comfortable. When gunk is allowed to accumulate, it makes a nice moist environment for mosquitoes, flies and other insects to breed. It can also create a hotbed of mold, fungus and other types of bacteria.
Bonus: Cleaning Your Gutters Can Warn You of Necessary Roof Repairs
When you clean your gutters, you may notice a lot of small granules that accumulate over time. If you have asphalt shingles, these are granules that wash off due to wind and rain. If you notice an inordinate amount of them in your gutters, it may be time to repair or replace your roof.
Gutters don’t last forever. When a simple cleaning won’t do the trick, you may need to have them replaced. If you need gutter replacement before the winter rolls in, make sure to contact Schmidt Roofing to get the job done.
