Why is Gutter Cleaning Important?
No matter where you live, chances are your home has a gutter system around the roof and foundation to help direct water away. How often the gutters must be cleaned depends on a number of factors. Homeowners considering gutter cleaning in Raleigh must contend with its humid climate and high average annual precipitation compared to other states and cities.
Home gutter cleaning is important for a number of reasons that all pertain to the structural and foundational protection of the home, as well as preventing health hazards to the home’s inhabitants. Read on for more information on why gutter cleaning is an important part of responsible home ownership.
Preventing Moisture Damage
When it rains, it is important for a home’s roof to be capable of smoothly moving rainwater to the gutters and away from the foundation. If gutters are filled with leaves or other debris, it can lead to blockages and flooding/overflowing.
According to recent climate data, Raleigh receives, on average, an annual precipitation of approximately 46.5 inches. This includes mostly rain but also some snow. Depending on factors such as the condition of the foundation and grading away from the home, overflowing gutters can cause significant moisture damage in a short period of time.
Protecting the Roof
A clogged gutter essentially acts as an uncontrolled water dam, constantly growing in size while displacing more and more water to undesired locations. In the home, this displaced water can damage the roof’s fascia, eaves, and other critical roof components.
As rainwater pools, it seeps under the roof’s shingles. Even if moisture barriers and roofing felt are installed underneath, pooling water can still cause major trouble. As the temperatures warm and cool, this pooled water will lead to cracking mold accumulation in affected areas.
A damaged roof is an expensive and often stressful situation for homeowners. Preventive maintenance in the form of gutter cleaning can help extend the lifespan of a roof by keeping the lower edges dry and mold-free.
Cost Savings Over Time
Homeowners who utilize regular home gutter cleaning services can protect their homes while also enjoying a likely cost savings relative to a costly foundation repair. Raleigh’s humid subtropical climate means that any moisture water sitting in or around the home’s foundation could lead to mold spore growth. Mold mitigation can be an expensive service, depending on the level of severity of the infestation.
Moisture that seeps into a basement foundation wall or floor can cause cracking and other structural damage to a home’s foundation. Cracks occur as rainwater expands and contracts with temperature and pressure.
The national average cost of a foundation repair in the United States is $4,500. Investing instead in professional home gutter cleaning can stop a little problem from becoming a costly mess.
Prevent Pests from Moving In
If you think about what a bird uses to make its nest, it is essentially everything that can possibly accumulate in a home’s gutters. Leaves, sticks/branches, dirt, and miscellaneous items all provide the perfect nest.
Other critters can use the debris from a clogged gutter to make homes as well. Squirrels, chipmunks, and any other creature that can crawl inside a downspout can make themselves at home.
If clogged gutters have caused structural damage along the roofline, pests can actually get inside the home, typically making nests inside attic spaces. Pairing regular home gutter cleaning with the installation of gutter guards or screens can help deter pests from nesting.
Pests in the home can lead to significant structural and health hazards if left unattended for any length of time. Home gutter cleaning professionals can provide a proactive, less stressful, and cost-effective method of intervention compared to pest control services. If you’re looking for gutter cleaning in Raleigh or a nearby community, contact Peak Performance today.
