The Importance of Regular Gutter Cleaning
Without a gutter system, rainwater will stream down the sides of a building, creating pools of water on the ground, which can cause erosion in foundations, and even flooding in basements and crawlspaces.
Clogged gutters also prevent the smooth flow of water on its journey away from your home, causing it to spill over siding, wood trim, doors and windows. This can lead to discoloration, staining, dry rot, and mold growth. Another serious problem of clogging is when dams form, causing water to back up into the sub roofing, causing dry rot in the sheathing and framing. It may also lead to interior damage of insulation, walls, and the ceiling and is a major cause of leaks inside the home. Most homeowners’ insurance will not cover water damage caused by gutter or downspout failure.
Just like regular dental check-ups and teeth cleaning help to keep your mouth healthy, the same is true with your gutter system. Regularly checking and cleaning it can prevent future costly repairs. It’s amazing what can accumulate: algae, mold, dirt, leaves, grass, pine needles, pine cones, acorns, branches, fruit, nuts, bird nests, bird droppings, dead birds, dead creatures, insects, worms, cans, bottles, baseballs, tennis balls, toys, paper, balloons, rope, wire, nails, screws, pieces of roof and other roofing materials are some of the things found in gutters. Things can accumulate quickly and without your knowledge, thus regular gutter maintenance cannot be over stressed.
So how often should gutters be cleaned? Well as often as they need it. That will mainly depend on the type and amount of foliage that are overhanging the roof. Some gutters require up to four times a year, others only once a year or every few years. The rule of thumb is once a year in late fall or early winter preferably before a big storm. Leaking due to cracks, holes or sagging gutters will also lead to various problems and should be sealed or repaired as soon as they are discovered.
Cleaning gutters is not an easy job nor is it a safe one. According to the World Health Organization, each year there are more than 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries and around 300 deaths in the U.S. that are caused by falls from ladders. When you add falls from rooftops, the statistics become even higher. This is a dangerous job and should only be performed by adequately trained professionals who are licensed and insured.
ACS can help keep your gutters clean with our Basic Cleaning & Maintenance Service, ranging from $150 and up including:
- Gutter debris removal
- Unclogging and making sure downspouts are flowing efficiently
- Look for and report any problem areas
- Haul away debris
Options
- Re-attach loosened gutters
- Remove debris from roof
- Sealing Leaks
ACS Roofing can keep your gutters clean and help detect leaks and other issues early on, before they become expensive repairs.
Contact us for gutter cleaning or repair services
GUTTER GUARDS
Many people are choosing to save time, energy, and money by installing leaf guards, which prevent all types of foliage and other objects from entering the gutter system.
Call us for an estimate for installing leaf guards to your existing gutters. We also provide free estimates to install new gutter systems on both residential and commercial structures.
Outstanding article about roofing repair services by an experienced professional expert team.
Thank you for this valuable information! Yes, homeowners must educate themselves about cleaning the roof. Proper cleaning and maintenance of gutters can also contribute to the prevention of pest infestation inside your home. If you wish to preserve your home you need to clean it regularly. If you need help ask the professional roofer.
People don’t realize how important cleaning your gutters is. It can cause structural problems for your roofing system and potential flooding. So thanks for spreading the word!