Gutters are the first defense for your home against damaging forces of water. Gutters protect foundations, ceilings, doors, and walls from water damage. Most people do not know that gutters have a vital role in defending the landscape against soil erosion and preventing the fascia from decaying and staining. They also protect the basement from flooding. However, rain gutters in Salt Lake City must be maintained in excellent condition for them to perform these tasks effectively.
You may not notice that a small thing like clogged gutters could cause significant damage to your home. Clogged drains can cause trouble to your entire home. The best way to avoid damaging basements or foundations is to clear gutters regularly. Besides, clogged gutters cannot divert rainwater away from your home. You need to watch out for these signs that you have obstructed drains so that you can clean them:
Plant growth
The next time you are outside, make sure you look up to your gutters. If you notice plants growing in the gutters, then it is time you considered cleaning them. The accumulation of debris encourages the growth of plants in your gutters. The other warning could be loose moss accumulating on the ground or the lower roof. You need to hire an expert to professionally clean your gutters once you notice the sign.
Rainwater spillover
Rainwater will not flow through clogged gutters. Therefore, if your gutters are full of debris, rainwater will spill over the sides. In the long run, the spilling over of rain due to clogged gutters will cause expensive damage to the foundation, siding, and fascia boards. Fortunately, you can avoid the damage by cleaning your gutters often to prevent debris accumulation.
Sagging gutters
The weight of pine needles, debris, shingle grit, and leaves outweighs your gutters, which causes them to bend and sag in the middle. As a result, the channels do not drain water away from your home as effectively as they should. The excess weight wears on the gutter system, and it might even pull away from the house. The cost of replacing sagged gutters is high. Therefore, you should check on your gutters regularly to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Failure to clean your gutters regularly
One of the clearest indications that you should wash your gutters as soon as possible is when you cannot remember the last time you hired a professional for gutter cleaning. Chances are that your gutters are already clogged if you have never cleaned them after installation or you did so several years ago. It is paramount to clean the gutters every season so that you protect your home against water damage.
Animals crawling inside the gutters
It is one thing to have a few bugs residing in your channels, and it is another to have animals making a comfortable home there. You do not want animals such as lizards, mice, frogs, or rats as house pets. Therefore, the sight of such animals should send a signal that your gutters are clogged and they require a cleanup as soon as possible.
Gutter cleaning is an integral part of home maintenance. You should be willing to pay a small price for gutter cleaning to protect your home. Also, you need to watch out for these signs and hire a professional gutter cleaner immediately.
