5 Reasons You Should Clean Your Gutters

Gutters serve a critical role in protecting your home’s foundation from pooled rainwater and the damage it can cause. Despite this, many people put off cleaning gutters because it isn’t the most pleasant task. Consider these five reasons to keep them clean before skipping your annual gutter cleaning.

1. New Gutters Are Costly

Let’s start with a basic fact —  new gutters are expensive. It is more cost-effective to have your gutters cleaned than to replace them. Plus, professional gutter cleaners can alert you to minor problems that need repair before they cause total failure. 

2. Improperly Cleaned Gutters Corrode Faster

When you don’t do a thorough job cleaning the gutters, wet, soggy leaves and debris may be left behind. Over time, this can cause the gutters and downspouts to corrode prematurely, leading to the need for new ones. Annual gutter cleaning will reduce the risk of decay.

3. Full Gutters Can Pull Away From the House

In addition to accelerating decay, debris adds a lot of weight to your gutter system, which isn’t designed to handle that. This can result in the gutters pulling away from the facia, possibly causing damage to the house. 

4. Clogged Gutters Promote Mold Growth

Mold thrives in areas with wet organic material, like a clogged gutter. If anyone in your household has allergies or respiratory problems like asthma, mold growth can cause irritation. Additionally, some types of mold are toxic and may lead to serious health complications. 

5. Skipping a Cleaning Can Cause Structural Damage to the House

When water is allowed to back up onto the roof, it can lead to structural damage. It is not uncommon to find yourself needing a new roof or siding in that case, which makes cleaning the gutters look much more attractive. 

As you can see, there are many good reasons to keep gutters clear. You may also want to consider using a professional gutter cleaning service to ensure the job is done right.