Gutter cleaning services can save homeowners from expensive damage caused by clogged gutters. They also have ladders that are appropriate for the job and a trained eye to identify problems before they become big issues.
Many local services run seasonal promotions or discounts, so homeowners can save by checking ads or asking neighbors on Nextdoor for a referral. Other home improvement and maintenance services include window cleaning, roof washing, and power washing. Read this first!
Clogged Gutters
Gutter cleaning is not at the top of many homeowner’s to-do lists, but this twice-a-year chore is important for protecting your home. Clogged gutters can lead to a host of problems including roof leakage, basement flooding, wall damage, and more. Gutter cleaning services help homeowners avoid these costly issues by performing a thorough and safe job with the right equipment.
Standing water in clogged gutters is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. The stagnant water also encourages fungus and other plant growth, which can ruin the appearance of your home’s exterior and damage the insulation inside your walls.
A well-maintained gutter system is designed to direct rainwater and snowmelt away from your house. However, when the gutter becomes clogged with debris like dead leaves and pine needles, it can cause the water to spill over or pond near your foundation. Over time, this can erode the soil and cause cracks in your foundation and walls.
Water Damage
Gutter cleaning services help prevent water damage by ensuring that rainwater is funneled away from the home’s foundation. If gutters become clogged, it can lead to basement flooding and foundation cracking that are costly to repair. Clogged gutters also contribute to the growth of mildew and mold that can lead to health issues.
Clogged gutters can trap rainwater that can seep into the roof, causing wood rot and other structural problems. The standing water can also fuel the growth of mosquitoes, which can carry diseases. Regular gutter cleaning prevents these issues and keeps the roof in good condition.
Gutters that aren’t cleaned can become breeding grounds for pests like rats, mice, mosquitoes, ants, and termites. These pests can cause a wide range of problems for homeowners, including destroying gardens, contaminating the home’s water supply with decomposing organic matter, and spreading harmful organisms that promote illness. Clogged gutters can also erode the soil around the home, which can weaken its foundation and lead to expensive repairs.
Pests
Gutter debris like leaves, twigs, and standing water are attractive to mosquitoes and other pests that love to breed in stagnant water. Keeping gutters clean reduces these pests and their potential to damage a home.
Gutter cleaning services usually offer a free inspection before a homeowner books the service. This helps homeowners decide if gutter cleaning is the right service for them. Homeowners should also make sure that the gutter cleaning company they hire is licensed and insured. This protects them in the event that a gutter cleaning service worker accidentally damages their home.
In addition, professional gutter cleaners have the proper training to safely work on ladders. They also know how to identify and treat common issues that can affect the functionality of gutter systems. This saves homeowners time and money in the long run, extending the life of their gutter system. Moreover, it helps them avoid costly repairs that can result from infrequent or improper gutter maintenance.
Mold
Mold is a problem that can cause allergies and respiratory distress in people. It grows on damp spots and surfaces where it digests organic material. It spreads by releasing tiny reproductive cells called spores that waft through the air. Mold spores can be found in indoor and outdoor air and may be present in large quantities. Mold testing is often inconclusive because counts fluctuate with season and humidity.
A clogged gutter can retain stagnant water which encourages the growth of weeds, moss, and rodents. These pests can further damage the roof and house structure as they chew through wood, shingles, and mortar.
The good news is that most forms of mold can be treated with bleach and a scrub brush or sponge. If the initial scrubbing does not eliminate all of the mold, a second scrub with bleach may be required. Avoid mixing ammonia with bleach as this creates toxic gas. Those who have an existing respiratory condition, such as asthma, are more susceptible to illness from mycotoxins, which are chemical compounds produced by some molds. Next article.
