As the leaves change to their autumn hues and begin to drop, they bring in an exciting time of the year. Time for fuzzy sweaters, pumpkin-spiced everything, and of course, gutter cleaning.
If this doesn’t sound exciting, consider this: gutter cleaning is one of the most important things you can do for your property. Not only does it prevent the inconvenience of a clog, but it can also save you tons of money in costly repairs — money you could be spending on holiday festivities instead!
Here’s a quick look at five of the top reasons you should clean out your gutters every fall.
1. To Protect Your Foundation
Gutters collect rainwater and channel it away from your home. Without effective gutters, all of the water that slides down your roof would land directly alongside your home, battering the ground and causing erosion. Over time, this can spell out big trouble for your foundation.
2. To Prevent Pests
When your gutters are full of leaves, it makes it tough for water to pass through, which leads to areas of standing water.
Gutters clogged with leaves and debris are ideal breeding grounds for insects like mosquitoes and unhealthy disease-causing organisms. It also becomes prime real estate for rodents and birds.
3. To Avoid Water Damage to Your Home
When the water in your gutters can’t drain properly due to clogs, it finds other ways out. This overflowing water can lead to damage on both the outside and inside of your home. Basements and attics are particularly susceptible.
4. To Protect Your Roof
Your roof protects your entire home, so if it gets damaged, it can create some pretty big problems. If your gutters are clogged, the water inside of them will begin to overflow, spilling onto the roof, which can lead to mold and rot.
5. To Increase Your Gutter Lifespan
Simply put, maintaining your gutters increases their lifespan and decreases the chance that you will have to repair or replace them any time soon.
Well-maintained gutters can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years. Downspouts can last 30 to 100 years. Why replace them if you don’t have to? Save yourself the unnecessary expense by making sure your gutters are ready for the year ahead!
If you need a hand with your annual gutter cleaning this fall, call (410) 661-4235 to talk to a professional at Chesapeake Property Services.