When you think about general high maintenance, the last thing to cross your mind is your gutters. It’s safe to say that electrical care, structural maintenance and plumbing servicing usually take first priority when it comes to investing in the upkeep of your home, however, if you ignore your gutters this could have a long-term effect on how your home functions and the value of your property. If you don’t adequately maintain your gutters, you could be presented with a whole host of problems. Let’s explore some of the main problems you could expect if you avoid regular gutter maintenance.
Protecting Your Property Foundations
Ultimately, your gutters protect the foundations of your home from eroding away. The daily role of a gutter is to smooth the deposited water into the downspout so that it stays away from your foundation. If your gutter system becomes clogged or damaged, you may end up with unnecessary amounts of water near the side of your house; this can create pressure on the foundation and can cause leaks into your basement or ground floor.
Unmaintained Gutters Can Cause Roof Damage
If you allow your gutters to become clogged, not only could you damage the foundations of your property, but you could also cause considerable issues to your roof. When your gutter system is not operating perfectly, it can cause serious long-term damage to your roof. Your roof may start collecting too much water to the point that it can’t drain the water away to the gutters. Water can begin to seep through your roof, walls, and attic.
Keeping Your Garden Clear
Maintaining the landscape and garden which surrounds your home is only possible if you are willing to regularly maintain your gutter system. You should be aiming to drain the water away from the property so that the water run-off doesn’t flood the landscape. If you do not adequately maintain your gutters, your plants will be subject to much water, your soil will begin to erode and the perfect environment for termites is created.
Avoiding Gutter Damage
Your gutters can quickly become clogged and damaged if you do not take the time to regularly maintain them. For example, if there are too many leaves, tree parts, debris items the gutters may begin to tilt as a result of the excess weight. This means that they won’t be able to handle the levels of rainwater and they may become completely destroyed over time. Regularly checking up on your gutter system will help you to ensure it’s performing to the best of its abilities.
Gutter Maintenance Tips
Your gutters require regular maintenance and checkups, so now would be the ideal time to make sure they’re operating at their best. Booking in a professional to help you with maintenance and repairs will give you peace of mind that your gutters are working properly for your property. When there are any signs of damage make sure you get your gutters repaired as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary interference to your foundations, roof and landscape.
Suburban Home Are At Greater Risk of Gutter Damage
Maintaining your gutters is extremely important if you live in a suburban area that is highly populated with trees. For example, if you are living in the bushland suburbs of Logan City, on the outskirts of Brisbane, then you will be aware of the high volume of surrounding trees in the area. The Logan City Council promotes wildlife-friendly backyards through their Environment Conservation Program. Although the greenery in Logan’s suburbs is excellent for natural wildlife habitats, it could be causing havoc to your gutters on a regular basis.
The Best Types of Gutter Design
A gutter guard is an excellent way to prevent blockages from forming in your gutters. They can be purchased from your local hardware store and are very easily installed. Half-round gutters are probably the most popular design as they carry water very effectively. Their tube-like shape can sometimes allow leaves and debris into them which is why guards are an excellent idea if you’re living in a suburban area.
Hopefully, these gutter maintenance tips will help you to stay on top of the upkeep of this important aspect of your property. Gutters do so much more than carry and direct water, they protect your entire home. If you have neglected your gutter system in recent months and years, now is the perfect time to take action and protect your roof and foundations from water damage, avoid flooding your backyard and prevent long-term damage to your gutters.
