Is cleaning your gutter on your annual to-do list? If not, it should be. Many homeowners do not clean their gutters each year. They overlook this important task. Here are some reasons that gutter cleaning is necessary and should be given priority in your home.
Water will be Trapped
The purpose of a gutter is to direct rain water away from the house. If the gutter is clogged with leaves, the water will be trapped. This can cause multiple issues including:
- Gutter rusts and falls off the house.
- Water freezes and causes ice damming.
- Water pours over the sides of the gutter due to the blockage.
Overflow Issues
Many homeowners figure that a gutter that is overflowing isn't that big of a deal. The water is still eventually making it to the ground. While it is true that the water is making it to the ground, it is not traveling on the preferred path. Instead of going through the gutter and downspout, the water is washing over the siding and onto the landscaping. The siding may degrade over time if this happens for each rainfall. The landscaping may wash away. Both of these repairs are bigger projects than just cleaning out a clogged gutter in the first place.
Ice Dam Issues
Some homeowners figure that ice dams will eventually melt with the spring thaw. The issue is that the ice dams cause the gutter to weigh more than it should. This can eventually cause damage not only to the gutter, but also to the roof. Again the expense of the repair makes it worthwhile to take the time to clean the gutter annually.
Consider cleaning your gutters at least once a year, if not twice. The best time to clean it is after the leaves have fallen in the fall, and again in the spring. While you are doing the cleaning, give the gutters an inspection to determine if you need to replace any parts of the gutter. Check for rusting and how well it is attached to the side of the roof. It may be possible to just re-attach the gutter more securely if it seems loose but otherwise in good condition.
If climbing on a ladder to clean gutters is not something you are comfortable doing, look for a local business that will take care of the chore for you. You likely won't want to climb the ladder to fix any issues a clogged gutter creates either!
Protect your home from the unexpected. Call ProtectALL Insurance at 1-833-PROTECT for more information on Memphis home insurance.