Gutters are more than just a frame alongside you exterior wall, but more importantly they serve as a funnel to drain water away from the home. Fall is the season when taking care of your home’s gutters become more important than ever. As trees shake water off their leaves and we face the impending snowfall, an added layer of protection will keep the drainage system in the best shape. Failure to pay attention to your gutters could have drastic consequences; and in today’s blog, we are going to go over a few of these consequences to show you the importance of gutter maintenance.
Mold
If the gutters are not cleaned regularly, a blockage could develop which could potentially create major issues with mold and mildew. Mold has a nasty habit of spreading once it starts and an even nastier habit of coming back when you think it’s gone. Not to mention the horrible smell it causes. Keep your gutters free of water retention, and you won’t have to worry about it down the road.
A Broken Gutter
Believe it or not, water buildup can actually break your gutters. As temperatures approach freezing, the leftover moisture turns into ice. This increases the weight and could create cracks in the gutter as the ice expands. A gutter with holes is like having no gutter at all. The water becomes free to soak the foundation of the home, affecting the structure.
Structural Damage
Structural damage is the worst case scenario as a result of poor gutter maintenance. Whether it’s from wood rot or flooding, damage to your home’s structure is extremely costly. Water can cause pressure against the walls and the floor, expanding and creating shifts in the home’s foundation. Your home could even sink if the problem persists!
The main function of your home’s gutters is to prevent this very thing from happening. Water can cause immense damage if left to its own devices, and should never be taken lightly.
So the next time you look up at your gutters, remember that they serve an important purpose in keeping your home safe. Keep your gutters clean during the fall, so you don’t have to deal with the consequences in the winter. If you need help with gutter maintenance, Fred this service to our customers. You can schedule Fred for a free consultation, and ensure that your home is protected from any potential water damage.
