People avoid the task of gutter cleaning. It’s an exhausting job that necessitates continuously getting up and down a ladder, and it’s also potentially dangerous. And, despite the fact that you only have to clean them twice a year, it appears like an interminable menial task that must be completed at all times. However, there is one thing that is worse: the consequences of not cleaning them.
What happens if you never clean gutters? If you do not regularly clear out your rain gutters, they will most likely cause certain problems that are serious. Clogged gutters create the following major problems:
1. Water Damage
If clogged gutters prevent water from properly draining off of the roof, it can penetrate the structure of your home and seep into drywall joints. Eventually, this can cause serious structural damage to the wood in your ceiling, floors or walls. It can also make it easier for mould or mildew to grow; rot; or attract termites.
2. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes thrive in standing water, so if you have clogged gutters that are full of water, you’re providing a perfect habitat for these annoying pests.
3. Rotten Wood
Gutters that are not cleared of debris on a regular basis can cause the wood they are attached to rot. This can lead to expensive repairs or even replacement of the gutter system altogether.
4. Stained Sidings
If your gutters are overflowing with dirt, leaves, and other organic materials, it can cause staining on the exterior of your home. Stained sidings don’t look good and they also lower the curb appeal.
5. Safety Issues
When gutters are clogged, homeowners have an increased risk of serious injury from falling tree limbs or trimmings. If you have children or pets who play outside, it’s especially important to clear out your gutters so that nobody gets hurt by a fallen object.
Cleaning gutters is a necessary chore, but it’s one that’s well worth the effort. By taking care of your gutters, you can prevent costly water damage, ice dams, and other problems. If you’re not comfortable doing the job yourself, hire a professional gutter cleaning service to take care of it for you. It’s definitely worth the peace of mind!
Severe Structural Defects
This is the most important one.
Cleaning your gutters can literally cause your house to fall apart if you don’t. And it will most likely happen sooner than you anticipate. Excess rainwater is trapped in the gutters by leaves and other debris, which is unable to escape through the downpipes. These soak through your gutters and into your walls and roof over time, causing cracks and fissures. As more water enters, these expand, potentially jeopardising your home’s foundations.
As it comes into contact with wood, seeping water will rot it, as well as harm tiles and other materials. Rebuilding after such a disaster can be quite costly.
Roof Damage Is Serious
If your gutters are clogged, rainwater will seep into your roof as well. These seem like tiny hairline fractures that gradually widen over time, similar to how they appear in the walls.
Those of us who live in sub-zero conditions (which, granted, is a small percentage of the population in Australia) are considerably more vulnerable. When the water inside these cracks freezes, it causes them to spread rapidly, causing far more damage to your home than usual.
Your Insurance Isn’t Going To Help You
A good homeowner will purchase insurance to protect their home from any unintentional damage. If you read the fine print, though, you’ll discover that no insurance coverage will cover harm caused by negligence. And, yes, failing to clear your gutters on a regular basis is certainly negligence.