Gutter cleaning does not immediately impact the appearance of a home, so many homeowners do not think of it as a crucial part of outdoor maintenance. However, failure to have gutters cleaned regularly can lead to a number of issues. This is something that every homeowner should have professionally done on a regular basis.
People with basements in their home fear flooding after a big rainstorm, but they may not realize they are at risk after several small showers as well. When gutters are left unattended, water builds up and overflows to the foundation of the house. This will eventually cause small cracks in the foundation that will allow water into the basement, causing water damage without the big rains.
Another common issue experienced by people who do not have regular gutter cleaning performed is an infestation of bugs. When water pools around the home, it creates the perfect breeding areas for a variety of pests. This is especially true of mosquitoes. Not only that, but birds and mice have been known to set up camp in gutters that are not properly cleaned out on a regular basis.
Many homes have roof frames that have been constructed, at least in part, by wood. When a gutter is clogged up, water will build up around the roof and begin to eat away at the wood. If the problem is left unattended, it may eventually become necessary to replace the entire roof, which is far more expensive that simply hiring someone to clean the gutters.
Cleaning the gutters may seem like a cosmetic issue but it is certainly a necessity for any home. Failure to maintain gutters regularly can lead to significant home damage and invite a number of pests to live in the roof. A regular cleaning by a professional should be a top priority for every homeowner.