Spring is in full swing, delivering us flowers and luscious greenery. But, that also means more rain is headed our way. Spring for many, is a time of doing; a time for cleaning up remnants of the harsh winter and preparing for the summer. As we welcome this warmer weather, landscaping is usually the first thing homeowners think about when prepping their outdoors for the summer sun. Yet, as important as that is, it is also essential to tend to your home’s rain gutters. With more rain, comes more leaves, twigs, and general debris through your gutter system. Over time this can clog your gutters and affect water drainage, causing even bigger problems later on. Routine gutter maintenance protects your roof from damage
Clogged gutters can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, provide a perfect place for pests to infiltrate and nest, and cause catastrophic roof and gutter damage. Performing routine gutter cleaning and maintenance helps significantly in preserving the overall quality of your roof, gutters and home. If you put off your roof and gutter inspection for too long, it could lead to a full roof replacement in the near future. Let’s explore the potential problems that could arise if your gutters haven’t been cleaned out in a while.
Growth of Mold and Mildew
Not all things that grow are necessarily good. Under certain conditions, gutters that are full of leaves and twigs can prevent water drainage, resulting in standing water and the growth of mold and mildew. This can be very bad news for your home. Mold and mildew can grow rapidly on the gutters and all over the side of your home. When gutters become so clogged with debris they become weak and damage the roof where they are attached. This allows water to eventually seep into the walls of your home and cause damage.
It is crucial to regularly clean your gutters or have them inspected to help protect your roof from irreversible damage and needing a full roof replacement down the line. Performing a routine cleaning on your gutters is not as complicated as it sounds. With many resources to walk you through the process, it is one of the easier tasks on your to-do list. And if climbing a ladder isn’t your thing or you are unable to, due to taking needed safety precautions, contact a local roofing company to have them professionally cleaned.
Pest Infestation
A collection of leaves, twigs, and stagnant debris makes an optimal home for many common pests, such as wasps, ants, bees, mice, and squirrels. This type of build up in your gutters could also be hiding potential termite damage to your roofing system. Termites love eating wood framing and often can go unnoticed so it is important to regularly check your roof and home for any signs of these pesky critters.
By not tending to your gutters and clearing out all debris from this past winter, your gutters become a welcoming place for these pests. If the problem goes unnoticed for too long, the pests may eventually make their way into your home and cause major structural damage and the need for a full roof replacement. Don’t let those leaves continue to pile up, or you may just have a squirrel join you for breakfast. Doing a thorough cleaning and sweep of your gutters helps preserve the condition of your home and roofing system and helps prevent pest infestation. Help your roof stay strong and withstand another year in Maryland by having your gutters and roof inspected. Regular gutter maintenance is something your roofing professional can advise you on.
Gutter and Roof Damage
Frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall can put a strain on your gutter system. Add heavy spring rain to the mix and that can be catastrophic for weak, damaged, or clogged gutters. The longer you ignore sitting debris and overflowing water, the higher the chance for new or further damage to your gutters, roof, and home. Standing water that is trapped in your gutter system can eventually seep into the attic, corrupt the base of your roofing system and damage the roof framing. If the problem persists for too long, the entire roof will need to be replaced. Don’t let your gutters cause problems for you this spring.
Being proactive is the best policy when it comes to maintaining your gutters and roof. Before the summer thunderstorms hit, take the time to inspect and make small repairs to your gutter system or have a professional come out and inspect the roof for you. Ensure there are no leaks, that all debris is cleared away and that the flow of rainwater is not obstructed. For the best outcome, it is recommended for homeowners to clean their gutters twice annually, once every spring and once every fall.
So, it’s official! Don’t let cleaning your gutters and roof be forgotten from your spring to-do list. To prevent problems like mold and mildew, pest infestation, and damage to your roof, inspect and clean your gutters this spring.
For more information and tips on gutter maintenance, contact Four Twelve Roofing. We’d be happy to lend a helping hand!
