When you do a spring clean around the home, your gutters may not be the first thing that comes to mind, however, having gutters that are clear of debris hosts an array of benefits. After all, your home is a substantial investment, so you want to be sure you are looking after it. Here we will explain why gutter cleaning is so important.
Prevents water damage
If your gutters are choked with dirt and leaves, rainwater will collect in them as it cannot drain off as it normally does. This will often result in water spilling over the gutters and onto your house. Over time this water can seep into your home which is never a good thing and if it isn't seen too quickly, it can cause water damage which is not only costly to fix but not great for your health either. Elements in and outside of your home that are excessively exposed to water can cause unwelcomed problems such as rot and mould growth.
Safeguard the foundation of your home
Clogged gutters cause water to pool at the foundation of your home and can cause premature damage by weakening its structural integrity. Once the structure of your home is compromised it can become unsafe and expensive to fix. Because of this, it's always better to implement preventative measures rather than trying to fix something that could have been avoided.
Can save you money
Some put off cleaning their gutters either due to the time that it takes or the cost of having to hire someone but a little bit of effort every now and then can keep your gutters in tip-top shape ensuring they last for years to come and more importantly do their job properly. This goes a long way to protecting your home from expensive damage. If you have inferior gutters and your home has sustained damage, this can devalue your property and deter potential buyers if you ever decide to put it on the market.
Avoid roof deterioration
If your gutters are blocked, water can make its way to your roof and pool. Accumulated pools of water can deteriorate your roof and lead to mould, moss and algae outbreaks. When left to their own devices, it can drastically reduce the durability of the roof. These types of hazardous nasties can make their way into your homes roof cavity via eaves and can negatively impact your health. They also look unsightly and will often leave green or black markings or patches on your roof.
Protect your home from bushfires
Bushfires can be catastrophic and even if you don't live in a bushfire prone area that doesn't mean your home won't be affected in the future. If a bushfire or home nearby catches alight, the embers can fly in the wind some distance. If your gutters are clogged with leaf litter and embers find their way to them, your roof could go up in flames in a matter of minutes. At the minimum, your gutters should be cleared yearly. If you live in a bush dense or fire-prone area, you should ensure your gutters are cleaned out every 6 months and more so in the lead up to summer when the weather is hot and dry.
Stop garage or basement flooding
Gutters that are congested with leaves and other contaminants cannot carry rainwater to the downpipe and into the drain, instead, it spills over the gutters and collects on the ground. This water can seep into your garage or basement if it has not been waterproofed properly. This usually happens after a heavy downpour of rain and can be a nightmare to clean up. It's costly and the moisture can encourage mould growth which happens quite rapidly.
Ensures you are covered by your insurance company
Often homeowners are left distraught after discovering they are not covered by their insurance due to issues caused by blocked gutters. This is primarily because insurers cover you for accidental and damage caused by events that you have no control over. Regular maintenance of your gutters can avoid damage to your property, so if you fail to do this, it's unlikely they will cover you unfortunately and you will be out of pocket for the repairs which can be a huge expense if the damage is extensive.
Benefits of hiring a professional gutter cleaner
It's hard to dismiss the importance of cleaning your gutters regularly and if it is a task you'd rather not take care of, it's a good idea to hire a professional gutter cleaner. They can clean your gutters and make them look brand new again. Here's why you should consider hiring a professional:
Clean – Clearing out gutters can be extremely messy work that can see leaves and dirt spread everywhere. Professional gutter cleaners use a vacuum rather than manually scooping leaves out leaving your home neat and tidy.
Prevents unnecessary injuries – Getting up to your roof can be dangerous if you don't have the correct protective equipment. Professionals have everything needed to conduct the cleaning safely.
Saves time – No one wants to be spending their weekends or free time clearing gutters, a professional gutter cleaner can have your gutters cleaned quickly leaving you to get on with your day.
Here at Global Vac Gutter Cleaning, we use only the very best equipment and we are confident you will be pleasantly surprised with the result. Contact us today for an obligation free quote.
