As a homeowner, I am sure that you have a long list of things to do every fall before winter arrives. One very important job that should be a top priority on your to-do list is cleaning your gutters. Getting rid of leaves, sticks and debris is crucial for protecting the structure of your home. By keeping your gutters clean you can prevent having to deal with a sometimes costly inconvenience in the future. Below I will outline five reasons why cleaning your gutters is important.

 

  1. Prevent water damage - When gutters and downspouts are blocked, rainwater may not drain properly. As water overflows from the gutters it can cause water damage on both the interior and exterior of your home.
  2. Protect your roof - Clogged gutters can give rainwater nowhere to run. When the water continues to flood over the gutters, it can cause your roof to leak and possibly rot.
  3. Keep pests at bay - Gutters that are full of leaves can make for a very desirable home for rodents, birds and insects. No one wants to deal with a pest infestation!
  4. Reduce risk of cracked foundation - When water pools around the foundation of your home it can freeze and expand in the winter months and cause cracks.
  5. Save yourself MONEY - Keeping your gutters and downspouts clean can help to prevent unexpected and expensive repairs down the road. Taking preventive measures now can help to minimize the likelihood of having to repair or replace your roof.

 

I recommend getting your gutters cleaned every fall and spring. Doing so can help alleviate the risk of a potential and costly homeowner headache.