Nobody enjoys spending an afternoon cleaning out clogged gutters, and most homeowners tend to put off this job. Unfortunately, the consequences of leaving your gutters clogged for too long are time-consuming and expensive to fix.
Your gutter system keeps water away from vulnerable areas of your home, like your walls and foundation. A clogged gutter does the opposite, forcing water to flow down the outer walls of your home and into your foundations. Constant water accumulation will start to eat away at your home, causing structural issues as well as unsightly mold growth and discoloration.
So before you put off your twice-yearly gutter cleaning again, consider the kinds of damage clogged gutters can cause and decide which issues are easier to fix.
Roof Leaks
If you have a clogged gutter, any water on your roof will have nowhere to go. While most of the water will spill out over the clogged gutter, you’ll still have some that remains on your roof. If you have several days of continuous rain, standing water will accumulate, resulting in roof leaks.
If you notice any discoloration on your ceiling or have annoying drips that indicate a roof leak, take a look at your gutters first. It’s possible you can address the issue before permanent structural damage occurs.
Lowered Roof Lifespan
A correctly maintained roof can last for decades, but standing water and water damage can cut that time in half. Replacing a roof is an extremely expensive project, especially compared to regular gutter cleaning.
Mold Growth
Mold needs two things to grow: water and heat. If your gutters are clogged enough to cause issues with standing water, you’ll start to notice mold growth as well. Mold can grow anywhere, though it prefers organic substrates like wood and drywall.
Not only is mold unsightly and smelly, but it potentially may cause health issues. Spores can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, and skin irritation, and certain mold strains are toxic to humans.
Compromised Foundation
Most homeowners assume that their foundation is solid and reliable. While this is often the case, continuous water exposure due to clogged gutters can eventually weaken your foundation and put the stability of your home at risk.
Compromised foundations aren’t just a safety risk; they also affect your home’s value. Nobody wants to buy a house with a damaged foundation, because foundation repairs are extremely costly and time-consuming.
Damaged Yard and Landscaping
Most landscapers design a yard with the positions of gutter downpipes in mind. When your gutter or down-pipe gets clogged, the water can spill out from the sides and damage sensitive plants. You may also notice water accumulation in your yard. This excess water can kill your grass, significantly cutting into the curb appeal of your home.
Cleaning out your gutters can be a huge chore. Why not let the professionals at Curb Appeal Power Clean take care of your gutter cleaning in Los Angeles for you? Give us a call today and find out why we’re the best exterior cleaners in the LA area.
