Consequences of Not Cleaning Your Gutters

A building’s gutters may not exactly be eye-catching, but these certainly perform a vital role.

What role is this?

The primary purpose of gutters is to move rainwater away from the roof and from the main structure. When water is allowed to fall closely to the main structure, the soil around it may erode. Eventually, the foundation can become compromised and this can lead to structural issues, especially if the building has a basement.

Apart from that, the rainwater can wind its way into your home via windows and doors. The risk for this issue is high if your roof does not have sufficient clearance.

Gutters use gravity to direct rainwater away from the roof and your home toward the downspout.

But just like any other part of a house, the gutters need to be cleaned and maintained in order to ensure their optimal performance. Over time, leaves, twigs and small branches, and other types of debris can collect in the gutters.

What are the consequences of not cleaning your gutters?

Leaks

One of the first signs that means the gutters need to be cleaned is a leak. Leaking gutters can easily be discovered through a visual inspection of the roof and can be remedied with a simple cleanup. However, if the issue is left unchecked, it can lead to other woes.

Blocked, dirty gutters can also cause leaks on the roof. When the gutters are blocked, the rainwater cannot fall to the ground and will instead accumulate on portions of the roof. Eventually, this can lead to damage, especially when the water turns into ice.

Rainwater can also leak into the basement if the gutters are not cleaned and therefore cannot function optimally. The excess water can get to the basement and lead to various problems like gas leaks and electrical shocks.


Moulds

When rainwater gets inside your home, moulds can invade your home. Mould spores float freely in the air and can grow inside a home when there is moisture present. Keep in mind that apart from being difficult to remove and being unsightly, moulds can also cause different health issues.

Pests

Insects and vermin are attracted to gutters filled with debris. For example, the water pooled inside the gutters and on the roof serve as a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Vermin that are attracted to the debris on the gutters can eventually invade your home.

Damaged gutters

It can take just a few weeks before gutters become damaged due to rotting. Nearby wooden structures like fascia can rot as well. And if the gutters continue to accumulate dirt and debris, these become too heavy and can get distorted and even fall off.

Damage to the landscape

Finally, when rainwater lands on sidewalks and driveways, it can make these slippery. Worse, rainwater can actually do damage to these. Apart from that, the plants in your garden can be drowned.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.