Investing in fall gutter cleaning can increase the value and protect the integrity of your Buffalo Grove, IL, Area home and property. Planning to get on a gutter cleaning company’s list should be a priority in preparing your house for winter.
Related: How Often Should You Schedule A Gutter Cleaning In The Northbrook, IL Area?
Benefits of Gutter Cleaning
Gutters can be something you only think about when it rains, but they should be on your list for having a clean-out before winter arrives. While full gutters can be a problem in a rainstorm, they can become a liability in a snowstorm. Here are some compelling reasons to have your gutters cleaned before the first snow.
Prevents icicles and snow dams: While the icicles hanging from the house roof can look pretty, you should be aware of the danger they present. Full and clogged gutters can be responsible for this hanging ice. As the snow falls on the house roof and then begins to melt, the frozen gutters can’t accept and funnel the water elsewhere, so the moisture can begin to seep into the roof. There, it absorbs into the plywood and framing, creating an ideal circumstance for mold and mildew to thrive.
Removes decayed leaves and debris can foster bacteria: When the decayed leaves and small sticks sit in the gutters, as they decompose, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and organisms. This decayed matter can clog the gutters and draw rodents and other creatures to the roof.
Prevents sagging gutters: Gutters that are full of dead leaves, acorns, and other debris can become quite heavy in the winter once they freeze. Add the heavy snow to that, and you can have a problem that will cause extensive damage to your home’s roof. The gutter design is to move water flowing from the roof to the downspouts, where it will funnel to a better location to spill out. Gutters clogged and frozen can’t remove any water and will sag and possibly break off the eaves. Once the winter snow has melted, you don’t want to find roof and gutter damage that creates a costly repair.
Protects the foundation: Water that cannot run off the roof and into the gutters can spill over the edges to sit at the foundation of your house. This standing water can freeze and thaw many times. When the water stays at the foundation, it can seep into the framing structure and basement, where mold and mildew start to grow. Once the mildew and mold spread inside the walls, it can enter the HVAC system as spores that you breathe. Mold and mildew can cause respiratory difficulties and illnesses that are hard to recover from.
Ultimately, saves you time and money: A thorough fall gutter cleaning can save you time and money since it prevents winter gutter sagging and water damage on the roof and in the house. This preventive practice can ensure your gutters are clear of leaves, nuts, and other debris that falls from the trees and lands in the gutters. You won’t have to worry about whether the gutters will drain since they are clear and prepped for the winter season. In this case, an ounce of prevention can certainly pay off in protecting your home and landscape.
