Neglecting Your Gutters Could Lead to These 7 Serious Consequences

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters? Here's What You Need To Know

Even if you take great pride in your property, you probably don't pay much attention to its lowly gutter. We shouldn't take gutters for granted unless there's an issue with them, but that's usually the case. Do not forget about gutters.

Cleaning out the gutters is, or at least should be, a regular part of your house maintenance schedule. They're essential in any house, and ignoring them might cause major issues down the road. But what sorts of problems might they trigger, and more importantly, how can we get rid of them?

Simply cleaning the gutters can prevent many issues that arise later on. We all have better things to do with our time, so instead of cleaning your gutters yourself, why not contact a professional service?

Boise Gutters Contractors will explain why regular gutter maintenance is necessary and offer tips for ensuring optimal performance throughout its lifetime. With this knowledge at hand, homeowners can make informed decisions regarding their gutter needs while avoiding expensive surprise repair costs later on.

Structural and Foundation Damage

The primary function of your gutters is to move water away from your home's base. If you don't keep your gutters in good shape, water will eventually pool around the foundation of your house. Over time, this water can eat away at the base of your home and get in through cracks and other holes.

During the winter, water that is sitting in drains that are clogged will freeze and form ice dams. This ice can make the cracks a little bigger, and when the water melts, that space is left behind. People don't want those spots, right?

If this keeps happening over time, it could do a lot of damage to your house. This is why there are drains to begin with. If you don't take care of your gutters, you could lose a lot of money and damage your house, which is a long-term investment.

Rusts and Leaks Can Result Collapsing Of Gutters

Don't forget that the gutters are only meant to hold water that is moving. If you don't clean out your gutters and they get full of leaves and other trash, they can quickly become heavy and act as extra weight.

Even though leaves don't weigh gutters down too much, the trouble starts when other things get stuck in them. Since the water isn't moving, this extra weight starts to put pressure on the drains, which weren't meant to carry that much weight.

Since water is heavy, letting it sit in your gutters for too long can cause them to fall apart. Now, would you rather take a few minutes to check your gutters or pay a lot of money to fix them? Your drains will last as long as you take care of them regularly.

Pests Problem

If you don't take care of your gutters, you might get some unwanted houseguests. This is because debris-filled gutters provide a warm, damp, and dark place for them to live. Since insects like to live in moist places, they are drawn to them. Also, if you don't clean out your drains, it's easy for them to get in.

When the weather changes, birds, bugs, rodents, and other bugs will be pulled to your house. If your gutters are stuck and you don't clean them, bugs may start living on your roof and in the rest of your house. This can also hurt the health of your family.

Wood Damage

If the gutters can't move the water away and it ends up running down the side of your house, it can be very bad for the wood. This water can also cause wood to rot, which can spread all over your house.

Your gutters' support boards, called fascia boards, could also be damaged. If water gets on the wood, it will start to break down. If the gutter hangers come loose, they might need to be changed.

Possibility of Fire

Neglected gutters not only increase the risk of flooding but also increase the risk of fire. Around the blocked gutters, debris might flare up and feed the flames. Cleaning your gutters might help reduce the likelihood of a house fire.

When addressing the risks of both fire and water damage, regular gutter cleaning and maintenance are essential. Cleaning your gutters on a regular basis is a small price to pay to protect your home from these risks all year long.

Landscape Damage

The overflow from improperly functioning gutters might end up all over your yard. Be cautious if you have plants or trees that want to develop since overflowing gutters can cause severe erosion, which will kill any new plants or trees.

In addition, overflowing gutters and downspouts can cause water to be left on sidewalks and driveways. This water will freeze when the temperature drops, creating a trip risk for anyone crossing it.

What Can I Do To Prevent Leaves And Debris From Clogging My Gutters?

Keeping your gutters free of debris and leaves is essential for maintaining the health of your roof. Gutter guards, covers, filters, screens, or mesh guards can provide you with an effective way to prevent clogging. All options offer a range of benefits that are worth considering when deciding which solution works best for you.

1. Gutter Guards – These act as barriers over your gutters and help stop leaves and other large particles from entering them. They’re usually made of plastic or metal materials so they won't rust or corrode.
2. Leaf Filters – This type of gutter protection system uses fine mesh material to trap all types of dirt before it enters the gutter troughs. It offers superior filtration compared to standard guard systems but requires more frequent cleaning throughout the year.
3. Gutter Covers - Installing an aluminum cover over your existing gutters will keep out unwanted debris while allowing water to flow freely into the downspouts below. The covers also come in various sizes and shapes making them easy to fit over any style gutter system you may have at home.
4. Mesh Guards – One of the most affordable solutions on the market today, these lightweight mesh panels attach directly onto your existing gutters using clips or screws. The netting prevents leaves, twigs and other small particles from collecting inside the channels and blocking drainage flows.

No matter which option you choose, investing in one of these protective measures now could save you time and money later on when it comes to unclogging blocked gutters caused by accumulated debris and leaves during the winter months.

Furthermore, having a reliable gutter protection system installed means less maintenance is required each season since there'll be fewer chances for leaf buildup around your eaves troughs!

Don't Ignore Gutter Cleaning! Call Boise Gutters & Repairs Today!

Neglecting your gutters can result in expensive repairs, dangerous circumstances for you and your home, and other major repercussions. The effects of ignoring your gutters are varied and serious, ranging from water damage and mold growth to bug infestations and foundation problems.

You may avoid these issues and maintain the structural integrity and safety of your home by performing routine gutter cleaning and maintenance. Don't wait until it's too late; take action now to maintain the condition of your gutters. Doing so not only prevents significant damage but also saves you time and money in the long run!

To help you ensure you have your gutters maintained, contact Boise Gutters & Repairs for your gutter cleaning. We also provide gutter installation and repair. Get a free estimate today!