Gutters may seem simple, but the long-term effects of clogged gutters can cause significant damage to your home. Clogged gutters, caused by debris buildup, can impede drainage, so regular cleanings or gutter guards are crucial. In this blog, we will walk through five potentially damaging effects of not cleaning your gutters.
Five long-term effects of clogged gutters.
- Interior Wall and Ceiling Damage: Clogged gutters can lead to excess water, potentially causing the fascia board, where the roof meets the siding, to rot. The rotting fascia board can result in water entering your home's interior damaging walls and ceiling. Prevent fascia board rot by scheduling regular gutter cleaning to maintain proper water flow.
- Exterior Home Damage: Weighty, clogged gutters filled with water, mud, and leaves can strain fascia boards and soffits. If the burden becomes too much, the gutter may detach, damaging part of your home's exterior. Avoid this costly scenario by regularly removing debris from your gutters.
- Leaking and Drainage Issues: Clogged gutters can exacerbate existing foundation drainage or leaking problems. Instead of directing water away, they can cause it to pool around the foundation, worsening the issue. Clearing your gutters can help alleviate the pain if your foundation is prone to leaks.
- Wintertime Ice Buildup: In regions with cold, wet winters, ignoring clogged gutters can be dangerous. Ice can accumulate around the gutter discharge, creating slippery conditions around walkways and driveways. Additionally, ice buildup can block gutter drainage, preventing proper snowmelt leading to roof ice dams and interior leaks.
- Landscaping and Soil Erosion: Clogged gutters don't just affect your home's structure; they can also impact your landscaping. When gutters overflow due to blockages, the excess water can flood your flower beds and wash away mulch, topsoil, and even plants. This flooding damages your landscaping and leads to soil erosion around your property.
How often to clean gutters
Determining how often to clean your gutters is critical to home maintenance. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, we recommend you clean them two to three times a year. Geographic location plays a significant role; homes in areas with heavy rainfall or surrounded by trees may require more frequent gutter cleaning, possibly up to four times a year. Observing your gutters for signs of clogging, such as overflowing during rainfall or the presence of debris, is essential. Additionally, consider the type of trees near your home, as deciduous trees tend to shed leaves in the fall, potentially clogging gutters.
Installing Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are an excellent investment for people who are tired of scheduling cleanings or going through the chore of doing the cleaning themselves. There are various gutter guards at different price points, so almost any consumer can find a solution that fits. Each type of leaf guard varies in effectiveness; depending on the landscape, some might work better than others. To choose the right gutter guard, it is essential to understand the property's total environment fully.
Ask a Professional for Help
Ultimately, understanding how often to clean gutters and the value of routine maintenance can save you money and stress. Professional gutter cleaning is far more cost-effective than repairing foundation, roof, ceiling, or wall damage. If your home faces persistent debris and foliage challenges, consider contacting Window Hero to explore whether gutter guards might provide a lasting solution. Don't wait until the damage is done; invest in the health of your home today.