When was the last time you checked your gutters for clogs or blockages? If you’re like most of us, it was years ago, if ever. However, leaving gutters off your home to-do list isn’t harmless as it might seem.
When gutters become clogged and the problem isn’t dealt with quickly, water can’t drain away from your home as effectively. This can lead to a whole host of problems, including pest infestations, flooding, and permanent structural damage.
To demonstrate the importance of regular gutter maintenance, we’re sharing all the details on what can happen if you neglect this important task.
Ready to be shocked? Keep reading.
Flooded Basements
You might think that your basement is so far away from your gutters that the two don’t affect each other—but you couldn’t be more wrong.
Clogged gutters are actually one of the most common causes of basement flooding, which is costly, inconvenient, and can harm the structural integrity of your home.
When water can’t drain properly via the gutters, it accumulates around the sides of your home, gradually seeping into the foundations and leaking down into the basement. You could then face issues with your electric and gas supply, suffer damage to items stored in the basement, and see permanent damage to your foundations.
That’s right—basement flooding can cause permanent damage to your entire property, even making it unsafe to live in. Don’t let a simple problem like a clogged gutter destroy the foundations of your home.
Pest Problems
Creepy crawlies like termites, ants, and mosquitoes love warm, damp conditions—which is exactly what you’ll find if you have clogged gutters.
A buildup of matter like wet leaves can become a breeding ground for unpleasant pests, which may then make their way to the inside of your home. While some are a mere annoyance, others, like termites, can cause serious damage to your property by eating away at the wood that supports the building.
If you don’t want to pay out a fortune for pest removal and repairs, don’t let your gutters get clogged.
Warped Windows and Doors
When water can’t drain off your roof, there’s only one way for it to go—down.
That means that gallons of water seep down the sides of your home, soaking doors, window frames, and wooden siding, causing them to warp and rot. The changes may be gradual, but by the time you notice it will probably be expensive, if not impossible, to repair the water damage.
Keeping your gutters in good condition allows water to flow away from the house, where it can’t do any damage.
What to Do If You Have Clogged Gutters
If you’re concerned about clogged gutters, it’s a good idea to contact a professional.
They’ll be able to assess the current situation and recommend cleaning, maintenance, repairs or replacement. They can also give you tips on keeping the gutters free from debris all year round.
Don’t wait until a problem arises to have your gutters looked over by a Milwaukee gutters professional. By then, it’s usually too late for an easy fix.
Stay on top of your home maintenance by contacting a gutter specialist today.