Why you should Clean Gutters
When gutters are functioning properly, they channel rainwater from the roof into drains and away from the house. As leaves, moss and debris fall into them they can stop working as intended and this can cause various problems. We provide a professional gutter cleaning service covering Birmingham and surrounding areas.
1. Prevent Damage to House Walls:
Clogged gutters can lead to water cascading down the walls of your home. Brickwork and rendering are porous so some of this water will be absorbed into the walls. Saturated brickwork is susceptible to flaking and crumbling which further exacerbates water ingress. This process is called spalling and can cause significant decay and deterioration and in extreme cases can even jeopardise structural integrity. Saturated walls can also result in damp penetration into interior rooms. This will show up as damp patches, mould and mildew, peeling wallpaper, and disintegrating plaster.
2. Protect house foundations
After streaming down the side of your house, water will collect at ground level around and then into the property foundations. This can lead to a build-up of pressure in the concrete causing cracks to form, impacting the foundation's structural integrity, and can even lead to subsidence. Water in the foundations can result in penetrating damp into the home in a process known as rising damp. Floor boards, carpets and the bottom metre of interior walls can all be damaged by rising damp.
3. Avoid Roof Damage:
When gutters are blocked, water can accumulate on the roof, leading to rotting of roof battens, deterioration of shingles, and potential leaks. Regular gutter cleaning helps extend the life of your roof and prevents water ingress into your home.
4. Prevent Ice Dams:
In colder climates, obstructed gutters can contribute to the formation of ice dams, leading to water seepage under shingles and potential damage to the interior of your home. Ice dams can also damage and misshape gutters leading to further problems.
5. Prevent wood rot:
When gutters are impeded from draining freely, water reamins inside them even when the weather is dry. This can cause leaks at the connection points. Even a slow drip that might go unnoticed will cause significant damage to any wood it may fall onto. The wood stays continuously damp and wet rot will quickly take hold. the The image shows extensive wood rot on a wooden conservatory caused by a continuous slow drip from the gutters requiring substantial repair work.
6. Avoid Landscape Erosion:
Properly functioning gutters direct water away from the foundation and landscaping. Clogged gutters may contribute to soil erosion and damage to your yard.
7. Prevent Pest Infestations and Health Hazards:
Debris-filled gutters can attract pests like mosquitoes, birds, and insects. Stagnant water is also a breeding ground for bacteria. Regular cleaning helps eliminate conditions that could lead to pest infestations and maintains a clean and safe environment around your home.
8. Assess the overall integrity of Gutters
Cleaning out gutters is the perfect opportunity to check for other problems such as fallen tiles, broken brackets, and loose or misaligned gutters.
9. Preserve the aesthetics of your home
Overflowing gutters can damage the exterior of your home, causing paint to peel and siding to warp. Algae, moss and discolouration when too much water absorbs into exterior surfaces. Keeping gutters clean helps to maintain the aesthetics of your home.
10. Maintain the Value of Your Home:
Regular gutter maintenance is a part of responsible homeownership. Keeping your gutters clean contributes to the overall upkeep of your property, preserving its value. Regular gutter cleaning is a proactive measure to protect your home from potential damage and maintain its overall health. It is recommended to clean gutters at least once a year, or more frequently if you live in an area with heavy foliage or experience severe weather conditions.
We provide a professional gutter cleaning service covering Birmingham and surrounding areas.