• Why Take the Risk?  10 Ways That Skipping a Seasonal Gutter Cleaning Can Cost You a Ton of Money

    August 27, 2019 | Blog | Gutter Cowboy
  • Gutter cleaning is one of those things that if neglected, can have a tremendous impact on your home – and not in a healthy way. This seasonal task is essential for proper home care, and when left alone, can lead to some costly repairs. In this article, we’ll cover in detail the top-10 reasons why you should keep your gutters clean and free from debris.

    Let’s review:

    Thinking of skipping a seasonal gutter cleaning?  Here’s why you should think again.

    1. Interior Damage to Your Home

     

    Gutters are designed to route water away from your home somewhere it can’t cause any damage. Over time, debris can clog your gutters, leading to overflows and spills. This excess water will eventually work its way into your home, causing stains that are costly to repair. If this goes on for too long, mold and rotting become an issue.  These are serious concerns not only for your home but for your health as well.

     

    1. Basement Flooding

     

    Another reason to stay regular on your gutter cleaning is that not doing so can lead to basement flooding.  Gutters help direct water away from your home, but when they’re clogged, water will spill over and collect next to it on the ground.  Not only is it pricey to pump water out of your basement, but you also have to think about any damage caused to personal items.

     

    1. Fascia and Gutter Damage

     

    Clogged gutters can lead to several issues for your home, but it can also damage the gutters themselves. Bent or warped gutters can lead to even more leaks and spills and require a professional to fix. Then there’s the fascia, which is what your gutters get mounted to, and If too much weight’s applied due to excess water, damage can result.

     

    1. Cracks in Your Homes Foundation

     

    Ignoring your gutters can also lead to severe issues, such as a cracked foundation. When water overflows and builds up next to your home, it can eventually freeze during the winter months. When water freezes, it expands by as much as 9%, which can affect your foundations’ integrity and lead to costly repairs.  Why risk a large repair bill?  Especially with something as simple as maintaining your gutters.

     

    1. Pest Infestation

     

    Rarely does the idea of rodents and pests intrigue any homeowner, and if you ignore your gutters, you’re only inviting them to stay the night.  Pests not only can cause damage to electrical wiring; they can be a health concern as well due to their urine and feces.  Hiring an exterminator is pricey, so why take the risk?  Instead, do yourself a favor and maintain your gutters regularly.

     

    1. Ice Dams

     

    As the winter months draw closer the temperatures continue to drop, meaning built up water in your gutters will freeze.  Not only are frozen gutters a lot tougher to fix, but they’re also a safety hazard as well.  As chilling as it sounds, icicles are dangerous, and if your gutters are clogged, they’re more likely to form.

     

    1. Decreased Comfort, Safety, and Convenience

     

    Your home is a place you should be able to feel safe and secure. By neglecting your gutters, you raise the chances of things like mold and mildew forming, and even the possibility of infecting your drinking water. You should also never have to worry about walking out your front door in the morning with the fear of getting drenched from overflowing water, or worse, a falling icicle.

     

    1. Roof Leaks

     

    The purpose of gutters is to direct rainwater and thawing snow away from your home.  If they’re clogged, this doesn’t happen. The water will build up until it begins to overflow, which increases the chances of a leaky roof. There’s more at risk than an annoying drip, like mold, mildew, stains, and rot. Plus, can you imagine waking up one morning to find your tv or computer drenched because you failed to keep your gutters clean?

     

    1. The Value of Your Home

     

    As you may have guessed, clogged gutters can drastically reduce the value of your home if left alone. Leaky roofs, a cracked foundation, pests, mold, all are a pain to deal with and costly to resolve.  Whether you call a reputable gutter cleaning service or do it yourself, at the end of the day, you should never ignore them.

     

    • Flooded Yard and Garden Beds

     

    If you have garden beds around your home, they may be in danger if your gutters are clogged. Clogged gutters eventually overflow and leak, meaning that excess water ends up where it shouldn’t be, like garden beds. You also have to think about your yard, if it’s not level water can build up in lower areas and cause flooding. If you’ve priced a decent landscaping service lately, things can get pretty pricey.

     

    Don’t Risk a Fall, Give Gutter Cowboy a Call

    There you have it – 10 huge risks you take by neglecting your gutters.  Each can result in a massive repair bill, not to mention a headache.  If your gutters are clogged, or in need of a repair or replacement, do yourself a favor – and call a professional to come and handle it for you.

    For reliable, professional Gutter cleaning and repair services. Call/Text us at 508-257-1832 or book online at http://www.guttercowboy.com/.