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What would you say is your most valuable asset? If you’re a homeowner, no doubt you would answer your home. That is because homes are one of the biggest purchases we make, build equity, and provide us with years of family time and shelter. With homeownership comes a laundry list of to-do items. Vacuuming, window cleaning, dusting, wiping down counters, and moping might all be the first things that come to mind. However, there could be more pressing matters going on outside of your home.
Gutters have an essential job to do. When working properly, rainwater is transported from the roof, into a channel, through the downspout, and away from the home. It is a perfect system that can become imperfect if left unchecked for too long. Even homes that feature a leaf guard system are susceptible to problems.
The Different Types of Gutter Protection Available
The standard gutter has no covering whatsoever. It collects the most rainwater and is a simple design. However, these are prone to collecting all sorts of debris, eventually leading to clogs. The gutter industry knew there had to be a better way and came up with different options to protect against junk getting in the gutter while still collecting and moving water away from the home. A leaf guard falls into the category of flat gutter coverings.
A leaf guard is usually made from a mesh and frame. It fits snuggly over the gutter, ensuring it doesn’t fly away and nothing can enter the gutter. Think of the leaf guard as a mesh sieve you might use in the kitchen for straining soups. A step up from this would be a ‘helmet’ design. As you can imagine, these almost cover the entire gutter leaving a lip to collect the water.
No matter which gutter guard you would install, it isn’t without the need for maintenance. Even the most clever gutter guard system will allow some amount of dirt or debris into the channel. Or worse, dirt can collect on the top of the screen—preventing any water from getting into the gutter. This will lead to water over pouring from the gutter and it going where you don’t want it to.
Reasons To Consider Routine Gutter Cleaning
When was the last time you cleaned out the gutters? If it’s been a while, or the answer is never, now is a great time to consider maintenance. There are two options for cleaning out your gutters. The first is doing it yourself. This could seem like a great option, especially for those that like to save money. But we caution DIY when it comes to cleaning out the gutters. There are some risks involved, including falling off a ladder. If heights aren’t your thing, we recommend professional Gutter Cleaning Indianapolis instead. Now let’s take a look at some of those advantages of choosing a professional for cleaning out the gutters.
Replacing A Roof Is Expensive
Have you calculated the cost of replacing a roof lately? What about repairs? Any type of roofing service can get expensive quickly. Avoiding damage to your roof may be a top priority, especially if you like to save money. Unfortunately, when gutters or jam-packed and unable to do their job, it can jeopardize your roof. Water that sits on your roof or next to the soffit and fascia can lead to wood rot. This can severely compromise the integrity of the roof and potentially lead to water leaks inside your home.
Mosquitos Suck
Does anyone like mosquitoes? Aside from maybe chickens who will eat them, mosquitoes are the public enemy number one. Mosquitoes are bred in standing water. Gutters that become clogged will allow water to pool, making it a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. As this is something most homeowners would certainly like to avoid, you could see how important it is to maintain gutters that flow freely versus those that are clogged.
The Appearance of Your Depends On It
You may want to choose gutter cleaning for a completely different reason outside of protecting your roof and guarding against mosquitoes. It could be purely aesthetic. Clean roofs and gutters simply look better and add to the charm of any home. Gutters that are dirty, stuffed with leaves and sticks can be considered unsightly. Whether you’re trying to sell your home or not, you may want to keep the appearance of the property looking its best. Gutter cleaning is a simple service to have done and can make a huge impact on the curb appeal of your home.
Prevents Damage To The Gutter
Another great advantage to choosing routine gutter cleaning is to prevent damage to the gutter system. Replacing a gutter system may not seem like a huge ordeal or expense. But it can be. Gutters can typically range from $500 to more than $1,000 to replace. This will depend on the size of your home and the type of gutters you choose. When gutters become full, they can start to sag away from the roof. This could also lead to roof damage. Avoiding issues with your roof and gutters is simple. By implementing gutter cleaning twice a year, you can avoid many of these pitfalls.
Added Protection Against Foundation Cracking
The last advantage we have to share is gutter cleaning can guard against foundation cracking. Similar to issues with your roof, if water is allowed to pool next to the concrete foundation, it can contribute to cracks. This is because water will cost soil to shift. Soil erosion and shifting lead to the concrete moving, which ultimately results in cracks. To fix a foundation problem, homeowners will need to shell out a pretty penny.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have or haven’t had your gutters cleaned lately, It’s great to know the benefits of doing so. We highly recommend gutter cleaning twice a year for the best results. Not only can this keep the mosquito population down around your home, but it can protect valuable components, including the roof and foundation.
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