You may not give your gutters much thought until it’s too late. Gutter cleaning is essential for preventing water damage in your home, but what exactly happens if you don’t clean your gutters? Discover the consequences of neglecting your rain gutters.
You Sustain Roof Damage
The many feet of gutters that line your roof are responsible for diverting water away from the structure. If you don’t clean them, debris will clog the pathway and cause standing water on your rooftop. This results in possible leaks since the water has nowhere else to go but seep inside the roof.
Your shingles may deteriorate faster and cost you major roof repairs if you don’t clean your gutters. Gutter guards can help limit the damage but it’s still helpful to perform routine gutter cleaning.
Your Home Attracts Pests
Mosquitos, rodents, and other critters tend to flock to moisture. Standing water in your gutters makes your home the perfect spot for unwanted pests to hang out. Cleaning out your gutters so there is no chance of standing water or wet leaves protects your home from insects and other creatures.
Your Foundation Shifts
The foundation that your home rests on needs to be secure. Extensive water damage can cause your foundation to crack or shift, leaving you with a hefty repair bill to make the structure sound again. This typically occurs when heavy rains flood the area around your house and seep into the ground.
Clogged gutters can also cause your foundation to move because rainwater can’t flow far enough away from the home. Instead, it flows over the gutter and lands just about the foundation waiting to soak into it. Avoid this major structural issue by getting the services of gutter cleaning professionals.
Mold Starts to Grow
Moist surfaces are the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other harmful bacteria. Your gutters are more likely to sprout mold when they are unable to drain water from the system because of clogged debris. This is a serious problem for you and your family, especially if left untreated.
Mold can form within your gutters, on your roof, and even along the siding of your home. This takes away from your curb appeal and causes serious health problems if it were to spread inside your house. If mold sprouts on your shingles, it compromises the structure of your roof and may require extensive repairs.
Ice Dams Form
Ice dams are a threat every winter, but dirty, clogged gutters create a bigger problem. Water expands when it freezes, so the formation of ice dams above your gutters can shift them further away from your roof. This puts you at risk for roof leaks and long-term gutter damage.
Schedule a Gutter Cleaning Service from Puget Power Washing
Don’t suffer the consequences of clogged gutters. Let Puget Power Washing gutter cleaning experts handle your gutter cleaning needs so you can have peace of mind. Call 206-701-9280 or fill out our online contact form to request a free estimate today!