Gutter Cleaning: All You Need To Know
Gutter Cleaning 101: Why It’s Important For You
The colors of fall are awakening in Kentucky, with vivid landscapes and falling leaves. But with falling leaves come clogged gutters and the need for gutter cleaning! Neglecting to clean your gutters can be a costly mistake if rainwater seeps inside your home or damages your property, putting a major damper on your curb appeal. Stagnant water in your gutters can also offer a perfect breeding ground for creepy crawlies and flies.
By allowing your gutters to be professionally cleaned by an exterior cleaning company like us here at Bright Spot Power Washing in Knoxville, you can prevent damage to your property foundation and structure, by directing heavy rain away from it! Your building gutters need to be kept free of dirt and debris, as well as water, to allow the longevity of your gutters to happen, and any repairs need to be done right away to ensure quality use. At the end of the day, keeping your property gutters clean can prevent major damage to your roof, siding, foundation, and lawn. From the rooftop to the basement, and everything in between, I’ve gathered up the facts you need to know about gutter cleaning and why it’s so important to maintain.
What Is Gutter Cleaning?
Gutter cleaning is the process of removing any debris, dirt, and leaves from your gutters and downspouts that clog your gutter system and stop rainwater from flowing freely from the roof to the ground. Professional gutter cleaning companies in Knoxville may scoop the debris by hand or by machine, and after the agents clear out the gutter system, they’ll flush it with water to get any remaining particles, so rainwater can flow through the gutter system with ease.
What Clean Gutters Do and Why They’re Essential for Your Home
When leaves, debris, dirt, and twigs get trapped inside gutter systems, it prevents them from working efficiently. However, when clean and free of clogs, rain gutters have an important job to do. They provide the following benefits like redirecting rainwater from your roof and away from your house. Clean gutters minimize moisture and condensation from windows and window sills and protect the exterior and interior walls from heavy rain and well as keeping water out of the basement and off the foundation.
Deters Bug Infestations and Critters’ Nesting
Insects and small animals like rodents LOVE stationary rain water. It’s one of their favorite watering holes to stop by for a drink. Leaves collecting inside gutters provide a haven for insects, birds, and squirrels to build a nest and store debris. From the gutter, it’s an easy commute to the roof for these critters to nest, breed, and infest your attic as well. Cleaning your gutters happens to be an easy way to prevent things like this from occurring in and on your property!
Prevents Roof Damage and Protects Exterior Walls
Unclogged gutters tunnel rainwater off your roof through downspouts and away from your home. But when leaves, dirt, and debris clog gutters, rainwater gets trapped inside the gutter, preventing the water from moving off the roof. When rainwater penetrates through the surface of your roof, it can cause the following issues: roof rot, weaken your roof’s construction, and seep from the roof into your home. Rainwater stuck in gutters can destroy your home’s exterior as well, especially when the weight of debris makes a gap in your gutter system. Areas that can become affected include: shingles covering your house, soffits protecting your roof and keeping moisture out of the attic, and fascias ventilating the roof. When these areas get waterlogged, they stop working, and mold, mildew, and algae grow on the exterior wall, and paint begins to peel and chip. Say goodbye to your curb appeal almost immediately! Clean gutters and maintaining them will easily prevent all of this and more.
Prevents Cracks in Foundations
When gutters are filled with gunk, the water from your roof heads straight for your basement and foundation. It can also erode your landscaping. With excessive amounts of water saturating the ground, the soil expands, pushing your foundation. After the soil dries up, the foundation contracts. This continuous process of expanding and contracting puts strain on your foundation. When water gets into your basement, it can cause your windows and door to not shut properly, uneven flooring, and cracking in your drywall. Keeping gutters free and clear of dirt and debris will deter extensive water from destroying your basement, foundation, and land.
Do You Need New Gutters or a Thorough Gutter Cleaning?
You may be unsure if it’s necessary to update your gutters, versus just cleaning them, anytime soon. If you’re confused about what indicates the need for replacement instead of a Knoxville gutter cleaning, check out this list of factors to consider:
- Mold, warping, or visible water damage is definitely cause for concern due to the issues caused by getting into the home.
- Corrosion and cracking can dramatically compromise the quality/efficacy of work gutters are meant to be doing.
- No gutters are a significant issue because it means your home is totally lacking in drainage, which puts you at a very high risk of future water damage.
If you happen to see any of the following issues with your gutters on your structure, you might require repairs or replacement, not just a gutter cleaning. Neglected gutters can result in serious, expensive property damage, so it’s worth a small investment to maintain or replace them before there’s an issue. If you are unsure of the condition of your gutters, Bright Spot Power Washing can inspect your property to help you determine your next steps in maintaining your gutters!
Should You Hire a Professional for Gutter Cleaning or Do It Yourself?
If you don’t like heights, getting dirty, and possibly coming face to face with pests, you should have your Knoxville gutters cleaned professionally. But if you’re experienced working on ladders and don’t mind the mess, gutter cleaning could be a cost effective weekend project. But as always, please practice ladder safety, like keeping your body between side rails, working on level ground, and maintaining awareness of your surroundings.
If you have any questions, reach out to us here at Bright Spot Power Washing, and we’ll be happy to help!
