Why Keep Gutters Clean?
Let's face it, most property owners hate cleaning their gutters. You have to purchase and store a 20+ foot tall ladder, it's dangerous
work, and it can easily turn into an all day project. Why bother? It's just a little rain water. For reference, a 2,000 square foot roof will disperse
approximately 1,250 gallons of water with only one inch of rainfall! One inch of rain can fall in as little as 20 to 30 minutes in a heavy downpour. 1250 Gallons
is equivalent to 25 Full bathtubs with the water weighing 10,450 pounds. You quickly begin to see the threat your home faces.
If gutters and downspouts are not functioning properly and diverting water away from the house, serious issues can and will arise.
To begin with, roof water running down the side of the house or splashing up from the ground causes damage to landscaping as well as the home's exterior. Left
unchecked, this often leads to wood rot, water stains, cracked mortar and your property will require more frequent painting. However, the most costly problem is
water ponding around the house's foundation. When the surrounding soil becomes saturated, porous concrete will begin absorbing the water, penetrating the
home's foundation and causing damage to the basement and crawl spaces. The weight of the water can also apply great pressure to the foundation and basement
walls, causing cracking.
Water Penetration Damage
Have you ever walked into a home and smelled that unmistakable musty odor? This is the result of water penetration. Water damage to the foundation causes high humidity, mold, mildew, and musty odors which can lead to serious health issues. A foundation damaged by water can lead to a deterioration of floor joists, beams, and subflooring. Additionally, soil erosion caused by the water weakens the load bearing capacity of the foundation wall and increases the chances of wall settlement and cracking.
A properly maintained gutter system with regular cleanings and maintenance is vital to prevent overflowing gutters. If debris is on the ground, you can bet it is also in the gutters. The number and size of the trees on the property will determine the necessary cleaning schedule. Typically, the required cleaning frequency increases in the Spring and Fall as trees are dropping seeds and leaves.
And finally, the downspouts need to direct water at least six feet from the foundation, and the slope of the ground needs to allow the water to drain away from the home and to the street ideally. Your guttering system and its proper function is vital to your home's structure.
Soffit and Fascia Damage
If left unchecked, clogged gutters can cause wood rot to your home's facia boards and soffit. If your property damage is already at this phase, the gutters must be removed and the damaged wood replaced. Clogged gutters create standing water, which is a ripe environment for the breeding of mosquitoes! The simple way to avoid these problems is to clean your gutters on a regular basis or add gutter covers that will permanently keep leaves and debris out of your gutters.
How often do I need to clean my Gutters?
Each home's cleaning schedule is determined by the number and type of trees, as well as the proximity of the trees to the house. In some cases, you
may have to clean your gutters monthly, while other homeowners will only have to clean them just a few times a year. The easiest way to see if your gutters are
clogged is to visually inspect them during a rain storm. If you see water overflowing the gutters, then you will know they are clogged and your need to
take action. At a minimum you should check the gutters seasonally to make sure they are flowing properly.
The two most important times of the year to check and clean gutters are during the spring and fall, after the seeds and leaves have dropped from the trees.
