We often put off cleaning our gutters. Here's why you need to keep them free of debris.
Gutters are designed to be the sentries of your home. Ideally, they control the flow of water around your home, protecting it from a myriad of ailments. Clean, debris free gutters will not only save your home from premature decay, but can save you thousands of dollars in repair bills.
Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and collect around the foundation of your home. During colder months, this excess water freezes and expands causing frost heave, or cracks in your foundation wall.
Water that backs up in the gutter can also cause moisture damage to the wood in the fascia around your home. When the water backs up in your gutters, it also creates undetected roof leaks that can result in interior damage to walls and ceilings.The same ill effects of improper gutter drainage can affect property around your home. For example, water that collects on concrete sidewalks and driveways can freeze and, similar to your foundation, will result in cracks and sagging concrete.
The water that pools on this concrete also causes rapid mold and mildew growth during warmer months and ice during colder months. Both of these events result in a slippery hazard for the homeowner and their family. The same runoff can wash away landscaping, cause soil erosion and kill grass and trees due to overwatering. Many pressure washing companies will clean gutters for a nominal fee, allowing the homeowner to avoid getting on ladders and putting themselves at risk. These same pressure washing companies will also clean the black streaks off the outside of the gutters, making your home more aesthetically pleasing.
Cleaning your gutters inside and out on a regular basis can keep your home safe, save you thousands in repair bills and make your home look great.
About this Experts Contributor: John Greene is the owner of Camelot Pressure Washing, providing pressure washing services in Harrisburg, N.C. Since 2005, Camelot has specialized in residential pressure cleaning, including homes, buildings, decks and concrete. They also provide cleaning of gutters, driveways and sidewalks. Follow this #ALExpert on Twitter @CamelotPW.
As of July 12, 2013, this service provider was highly rated on Angie's List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check Angie's List for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie's List.
