Gutter Cleaning How Important Is It?

We all know maintaining your home especially your roof is important, but how important is it really? Gutters ensure that rainwater flows correctly off your roof, without allowing the water to puddle and create damage, or possible water leaks.

Gutters are designed to capture debris, twigs sticks anything that may fall onto your roof. A gutter is a place for the debris to reside until you or professional services remove it. If your gutters are not regularly cleaned or maintained the debris can build up and cause serious damage to your property.

What Will Happen If You Don’t Clean Your Gutters?

The main purpose of a gutter is to capture rainwater and allow it to flow into a drainage system. If gutters are not cleaned, the water will be blocked by build up of foliage. Meaning your water will not flow properly and can result in overflowing onto your foundation/roof or building.

Foundation Damage

Foundation damage means water that is an overflow from your gutter can trickle down your building or property and can seep into the soil and with constant damp soil, it can impact the structure holding your property. This means the foundation can slowly deteriorate. If the foundation is wet and freezes, it can cause heaving and cracks to your building. In extreme cases, damp soil can cause failure to the entire structure.

Rotted Wood

If you do not clean out your gutters, the water will build up and overflow onto your property, which can then overflow onto the structure located next to your gutters, and if they are made from wood the timber will become trapped with water and the water will soften the fascia and soffit boards. The wood can rot, and this can travel to the attic or various areas of your home that are made of wood. Your gutters can also sag from damp wood around the area.

Roof Leaks

Roof leaks are important to be aware of when it comes to repairing and cleaning out your gutters. If you do not clear out your gutters of water build up, the water will remain and slowly but surely seep and migrate its way through your roof structure, meaning you will have ceiling leaks, roof leaks, and eventually possible wall damage. This is not something you want to deal with, as it will cost more in the long run.

Insect Infestation

The build up of debris and dirt in your gutters when moist is the perfect environment for insects and bugs to breed. When the weather changes the insects will likely want to migrate inside your home, and those bugs and insects will create an infestation within your home. The insects will also be attracted to damp and rotting wood, such as termites and carpenter ants, so not cleaning out your gutters will encourage the growth of insect infestation in your gutters, this will impact your home so you must clean your gutters.

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

We recommend cleaning your gutters every 6 months however if you experience a thunderstorm or strong winds or it is bush fire season, we recommend checking your gutters. As things such as dirt and branches can make their way into your gutters causing possible future damage.

Contact our team of roofers if you are after professional help. We are more than happy to assist you with your roof and gutters. We utilise the latest technology to ensure your roof and gutters are well maintained at all times.