It is easy for most people to gain an understanding of their home needing routine maintenance. You clean it, repaint it, and re-decorate so that it looks nice. You may repair issues when you first notice them so that you can ensure it stays a stable house for many years to come. There may be things that you do both inside and out yearly. The problem is; most people do not think about their gutters in their yearly routine and this is someth
ing you should do. Some people may even need to do it more often. Did you know that practicing yearly gutter cleaning can protect your home?
Most all of us live in an area that will, at least once a year, have yards that need to be raked because leaves fall from trees. These trees drop leaves not only on your lawn, but also on your home’s roof. The roof also catches twigs, dust, moss, and other debris, even if you are not aware of it. Then, your roof must also deal with rain and pollen.
When the rain comes down, anything that is on your roof will be drained off and into your gutters. Gutters have the responsibility of directing water off the roof and into a location that it will not cause damage. If your gutters are clogged or blocked with stuff, they cannot do what they need to do. This will mean that water may sit close to your roof where it can cause rot, especially along the edge where the gutter is. It can also mean that water is allowed to run down the side of your home between the gutters and roof. Over time, this drainage can have a negative effect on your home’s foundation.
The effects on your foundation may not come from the gutter, but the water that is allowed to dampen the soil around your home’s foundation. Most foundation issues are caused by dirt that becomes wet because it expands and then when it dries up, it shrinks away from the foundation. This weakens it to the point that the foundation may begin to bow. This is why gutters drain to a certain area and why neglecting it for years at a time can be devastating to your home. Isn’t it easier and cheaper to just clean the gutters as recommended?
