4 Reasons To Clean Your Gutter
Did you just hear about gutter cleaning but not know why it’s necessary to get it done? Have you noticed a waterfall coming out of your gutters but not know why that’s happening? Or maybe you’re a new homeowner that’s just learning all the ins and outs of home maintenance?
You are not alone!
Here at Streakless, we’ve been in business since 1992 and we’ve seen it all! While working on window cleaning, pressure washing, or solar panels, we have made it customary to include a complementary gutter inspection with all of our services. You can’t imagine the things we’ve seen and we’ve oftentimes found ourselves saving a client on the verge of a crisis.
By the end of this article, you’re going to understand the four main reasons why cleaning your gutters is so important and know next steps in getting them cleaned.
Let’s start at the basics: What is a gutter? A gutter is like a long, narrow bucket that catches water and funnels it away from your home or structure. Why do we want to keep the gutters cleaned and keep the water flowing away from the home?
1. Gutter Cleaning Protects Your Home from Costly Water Damage
One of the most significant reasons to keep your gutters clean is to protect your home from expensive water damage. When gutters are clogged, water is no longer being funneled away from your home. This can cause water to overflow off the gutters and cause foundation issues, damage the siding of your home, cause hidden mold, leak into the home and damage furniture as well as priceless sentimental home items.
From a financial standpoint, maintaining clean gutters has a great Return on Investment: A gutter cleaning averages $350-$1,000 but can save $20,000-$50,000 on a new roof, not to mention the repurchasing of furniture in the event of a leak.
2. Gutter Cleaning Protects Your Home from Fires
Another crucial reason to clean your gutters is to reduce the risk of fire. Clogged gutters can become a breeding ground for dry leaves and debris, especially during the fall. If these materials are allowed to accumulate, they can pose a significant fire risk, particularly in areas prone to wildfires or during hot, dry conditions. A group of leaves lingering in your gutters is like a Duraflame Log sitting on your roof…. Scary picture, isn’t it?
Did you know that when debris catches fire, those flames can quickly spread to your roof or the siding of your home? That can be really scary for your property and your safety! But don’t worry; regular gutter cleaning can help keep those flammable materials at bay. Plus, by maintaining your gutters, you’re also giving your home an extra layer of protection against embers that might come flying your way during a wildfire, fireworks, or even a barbeque. It’s a simple way to stay safe and keep your home secure!
3. Gutter Cleaning Prevents Standing Water and Insect Infestations
When water gets trapped, it can create unsightly puddles and worse, become a perfect spot for pests like mosquitoes, rodents, and ants to thrive. Those yucky mosquitoes love stagnant water; just a single female can lay hundreds of eggs in a matter of days! That means you could end up with a whole swarm buzzing around your home, making things pretty uncomfortable and even a little risky for you and your family. That alone is a great incentive to keep those gutters clean and tidy!
Additionally, having stagnant water can invite some unwanted guests who love that moisture, like rats and mice. Those little critters might settle in your gutters and could even find their way inside your home, bringing along some health concerns and the need for expensive pest control. Give your cat a break! Maintain clean gutters and keep your home clean, tidy and Streakless!
4. Gutter Cleaning Clears Debris from Your Roof
When you’re cleaning your gutters, don’t forget to check out your roof too! Those pesky leaves, branches, and other debris can pile up and block drainage, which could cause some trouble down the line.
It also helps find that frisbee that went missing at that backyard party a few years ago! Keeping your roof clean as part of your gutter maintenance is a great way to keep both in great shape! Just the other day we found a golf ball stuck in a client’s downspout. Imagine their surprise when we sent them a photo of their long lost golf ball now causing long term damage. This smart move can help you avoid expensive repairs down the line and give your home a longer lifespan.
The Run Down:
Gutter cleaning protects your home from water damage, increased fire hazard, insects and critters as well as random objects that went missing years ago.
Here at Streakless, we ensure that every service: window cleaning, solar panel cleaning, pressure washing, or trash can cleaning, comes with a complementary gutter inspection! This ensures that those hard to see places are checked in on. No other company cares more about maintaining the integrity of your home!
If you are in Marin or Sonoma County California, feel free to click here for an estimate!
Have more questions about gutters?
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