Importance of Keeping Rain Gutters Cleaned Out
It’s so easy to forget about your rain gutters until there’s a problem, but if you keep them clean, they’ll work better and last longer. The most common reason for rain gutter clogs is that they don’t get cleaned regularly. If not taken care of properly, silt can build up in the gutters and cause problems like leaks or even structural damage. It doesn’t take much effort to keep them clean (usually just vacuuming off debris), but it does require regular maintenance.
What do rain gutters do?
Before we get into how important it is to keep your rain gutters cleaned out, let’s first talk about why they are on the house in the first place.
Rain gutters serve a very important purpose: collecting and channeling water away from your home. When a storm comes through, rainwater flows off roofs into gutters and downspouts that lead to the ground. If not for this system, the weight of all that water would cause damage to your roof and foundation by pulling them apart or causing them to buckle. No one wants a collapsed roof because of rain, right?
By keeping the flow of rainwater moving away from these areas, you can prevent costly repairs and protect yourself from water damage inside your home as well as outside on your property.
What can water do to your home?
When water doesn’t make it down the downspout and hits the foundation of your house, it can cause your building to warp over time, creating cracks that will eventually allow water to infiltrate the structure of your home. The same is true for any other part of your home that has a place where water collects or sticks around for too long. Water can also cause mold to grow in these areas which will lead to health problems such as allergies and asthma.
The problem with leaves in your gutters:
When you have a lot of debris and leaves in your gutters, then it is going to become difficult for water to flow through them as easily. The leaves will clog the gutters and make it harder for water to get through the system, which could lead to some serious problems. When this happens, it could cause the gutter to rust out and break apart. This can result in significant damage to your home’s exterior.
Best time of the year to clean the gutters:
If you are not currently cleaning out your gutters, this is a good time to start. The fall can be a great time to clean them out because many types of debris such as leaves tend to collect in them during the fall. If you don’t keep up with cleaning your gutters during this time, it can cause problems with water flow and even issues with the foundation of your house. This could also become a safety hazard if there is any buildup on top of the roof and someone steps on it or falls through.
As you can hopefully see now, keeping your rain gutters clean is an important part of the maintenance of your home. It’s a simple task that can save you money in the long run by preventing water damage and mold growth. You should make a point to do a good cleaning at least once a year to keep them in great condition. You can do it yourself or hire a professional, but it definitely needs to get done! If you decide to DIY, just remember to have safety measures in place. Be safe and keep it clean in your gutters.
If you are looking to have a custom home built here in Charlotte County reach out to us. We can help you design a house for your family and lifestyle. We will help you build the home of your dreams, what’s important to you is important to us. We look forward to working with you.
