Homes without gutters are at greater risk of rainfall from the roof saturating the foundations. Homes with clogged gutters are at similar risk due to water overflowing the sides instead of draining away harmlessly.
In this article, the Platinum Pressure Washing & Window Cleaning team discusses the effects of clogged gutters on homes and why gutter cleaning is essential maintenance for your property.
Foundation Damage
As the water pools in the gutter, it starts to overflow in the wrong area. Instead of the water draining away from the foundation, it soaks in. If there’s too much moisture, it begins to degrade the foundation, causing structural damage.
The sooner the ground dries out again, the less likely significant damage will occur.
Pest Issues
Stagnant water in the pipes is an attractive moisture source for all pests. Termites, cockroaches, rodents, and birds might make their homes near this convenient pool, and mosquitoes might see it as the ideal breeding spot.
Restoring the normal flow of the water will soon chase these pests off.
Basement Flooding
The water pooling around the home may also seep into the basement, resulting in flooding. Moisture removal is challenging due to being below ground level, and it doesn’t take much moisture to make the basement a dank, unlivable space.
Regularly clearing the gutters ensures that runoff from rainwater trickles into the storm drains and away from the cellar.
Mold, Mildew, and Bacteria
A modern-day horror story would describe an unstoppable mold that slowly chases people out of their homes. Unfortunately, it’s something that happens every day. A blocked gutter provides everything mold or mildew needs to gain a foothold.
The debris clogging the pipes provides nutrients, and rot begins to form. There’s plenty of space for fungal growth and bacteria in addition to mold and mildew. These spores can travel in the wind, making them hazardous in home environments.
Gutter guards can prevent the debris from entering the channels in the first place, so they are the first line of defense. Keeping the downpipes clear is the next.
Driveway and Landscaping Issues
Compromised gutters affect more than foundations. The moisture also affects gardens and could kill plants on your property. Any structures like rock walls, walkways, fences, and driveways are also at risk.
The moisture could destabilize their foundations or work into cracks in the structure. This intrusion could lead to lifting or crumbling over time.
What Is the Solution?
The solution is simple. Homeowners should clean their gutters twice a year, in spring and fall. Those who do not have the time or inclination can hire a professional gutter cleaning company like Platinum Pressure Washing & Window Cleaning.
Installing gutter guards and regularly flushing out the system will keep it free and clear of issues for many years. It will also extend the system’s useful lifespan and prevent expensive maintenance.
Anyone looking for more information on the topic or a free estimate on gutter cleaning should contact Platinum Pressure Washing & Window Cleaning at 303-931-7300.
