How to Know When Your Gutters Need Cleaning
Having the gutters cleaned is one of the most important parts of home maintenance for a number of reasons. It may not seem like a terribly big deal but allowing them to become clogged can cause significant damage to several different parts of the home. Many homeowners are unsure when to schedule this cleaning. Â There are a few key signs to look for which will indicate that it is time to have a professional come in and check things out. It may seem like an unnecessary expense but doing so could actually save a great deal of money in repairs that would have to be made in the future.
Clogged Gutters – Northern VA, MD, Wash DC – Winston’s Chimney Service
One of the easiest ways to determine whether it is time for the gutters to be cleaned is by simply going outside and looking at them. It will be obvious if there is a pile of old leaves or debris from a recent storm. In many cases, it will also be easy to identify the nests of animals that have decided to make their homes up there. This can be dangerous, especially if they happen to be animals that carry infectious diseases. If there is any kind of accumulation of material up there, it is time to call someone in to take a look and clear things out.
The homeowner may also notice that there are leaks in their home, even if there has not been recent rain. In most cases, these leaks will occur at the spot where the ceiling meets up with the wall. Homeowners may also notice an accumulation of water in their basement because it has been overflowing from the roof. If they step outside and take a look, they may have a visual indicator that there is a blockage which is preventing the water from draining out properly. This can cause damage to the foundation of the home, which is not only unsafe but also very costly to fix. It can all be prevented by hiring a professional to be preventative with regular cleanings.
Water in the house is certainly an inconvenience, but many homeowners do not realize the potential dangers associated with it. If water is allowed to accumulate within the house, mold can quickly become an issue. It can only take a few days of growth for some molds to become toxic, posing a huge health risk for everyone in the home. Continuous exposure to these molds can result in serious respiratory issues. A simple cleaning can help keep everyone in the home healthy and avoid putting them at risk for serious diseases.
Many homeowners do not think about having this type of maintenance done unless there has been a major storm or they happen to notice some overflow coming from the roof. In truth, it is best to have a professional cleaning done at least twice a year. This cleans everything out before the buildup has a chance to become a significant problem. It also allows the homeowner to consult with a professional and identify any problems that may arise in the future. The small expense two times a year is really nothing compared to the cost of replacing walls and carpets or, in the worst cases, medical bills as a result of a mold problem.
Since cleaning should be done on a frequent basis, many homeowners are tempted to just climb up to the roof and do it themselves. However, climbing on the roof is far chancier than it may seem and could result in significant injury for someone who is not properly trained to do it. Also, the average homeowner most likely does not have the proper tools to get the job done well. A professional will be able to take care of any issues quickly and efficiently without putting themselves or anyone else at risk.
When it comes to owning a home, there are many types of maintenance that must be kept up with each year. As far as cleaning out the drainage system on the roof, it should be done at least two times a year by a trained professional. Failure to keep up with this maintenance could lead to water damage in the home, damage to the actual foundation of the house, and a problem with mold that could lead to serious health issues for the family. Semi-annual cleanings by a professional also keep homeowners off the roof. Safety and drainage efficiency are nonnegotiable when you consider all you have invested in your home.
