Fall leaves are beautiful, but when they land in your gutters they create a mess. It’s hard enough to keep up with the falling foliage in your yard, and there’s little time left over for gutter cleaning. This time of year, you want to enjoy the outdoors, not spend every free minute fighting nature. However, when gutters become clogged by leaves, twigs and dirt it can lead to serious issues. In a poll of Angie’s List members, 20 percent said their home had sustained damage because they ignored gutter maintenance.
Damage Caused by Neglected Gutter Cleaning
Builders install gutters to channel the rain that falls on your roof away from your home. Without a gutter or leaf guard, they need regular cleaning to keep them from becoming clogged. Stopped up gutters hold water and can cause moisture to seep into your home, staining ceilings and leading to mold and mildew growth. Here are some of the other dangers.
- Water leaks under roof shingles and causes rotted roof decking. Damage can extend to support beams, causing structural problems and eventual collapse.
- Damp organic material invites insects to nest. Rodents, birds and roaches find a moist environment to build their homes.
- Wet debris is heavy. Your gutters might pull away from your home, tearing away siding and trim.
- Debris-filled gutters give your home a neglected appearance, reducing curb appeal. The chipped paint and rusty metal that result only make things worse.
- Wet debris expands when it freezes, causing gutters to crack during winter.
Why Gutter Cleaning is a Hassle
Gutters that aren’t protected by gutter or leaf guards should be cleaned out at least twice a year. Homeowners have to gather buckets, ladders, trowels, safety equipment and a water hose and spend a good part of the day working around their roof.
To clean out the gutters, most people start near a downspout and climb their ladder. They use a trowel to scoop dirty, wet debris into a bucket or plastic bags, climbing down and back up again every few feet. Then they rinse everything with a garden hose. It’s a dirty, messy job that isn’t how most homeowners like to spend the most gorgeous days of fall.
There’s always danger when you’re working on a ladder. Homeowners are off balance as they reach for debris with one hand while holding what they’ve already collected in the other. Even the most able-bodied individuals are exhausted by the time they’ve climbed up and down the number of times it takes to complete the job.
You could hire a professional to avoid the hassle, but it’s expensive and there’s no guarantee they’ll do a good job. A better solution is to invest in gutter guards.
Benefits of Gutter Guards
Mr. Roof can install wire, vinyl or aluminum gutter guards over your existing gutters to keep debris from getting in. Once they’re installed, you may never have to clean your gutters again. Maintenance is much easier and keeping debris out protects your gutters from rust and your home from damage. Help your gutters fulfil their purpose and still have time to enjoy the season. Contact Mr. Roof for a free estimate.
