5 Ways Gutter Cleaning Can Help You Save Money

Most homeowners know they should clean their gutters regularly, but this is one of the most overlooked chores by homeowners across the country. When the gutter system of a home is not clean, it will not work effectively to protect the home against water damage. With this helpful guide, homeowners will learn how cleaning their gutters can save them money. 

How Do Gutters Work and Why are They Important?

The gutter system of a home is more important than many people realize. When it rains, water rolls off the roof and is collected in the gutters. As the water builds up in the gutters, it flows to the downspouts and is ushered away from the home.  Without Gutter Cleaning, this process cannot occur, and the water ends up spilling over the sides of the gutters and damaging the siding of the home. 

Gutters are essential for protecting roofs. Without gutters on a home, rainwater will collect on top of the roof and puddle in some areas, causing the materials to degrade over time and rot. With working gutters in place, homeowners can rest assured their gutters will offer the right level of protection. 

5 Ways Cleaning the Gutters Saves Homeowners Money

Cleaning the gutters is not a fun chore, but it is well worth the effort. Clean gutters work more efficiently to protect a home against water damage. The following offers information on five important ways cleaning gutters can save homeowners money in the long run.

1. Avoid the Cost of Gutter Replacement

Having gutters installed is not cheap. Homeowners need to do everything they possibly can to make sure the lifespan of their gutter system is as long as possible. Gutters can last twenty to fifty years, depending on the type and how they are maintained. Gutters that are not maintained are going to end up needing to be replaced far faster than those that have been maintained properly. 

Ideally, a person should clean their gutters at least twice a year. Fall is an especially important time for cleaning gutters because of the leaves falling. 

2. Save Money on Foundation Repair

Some homeowners do not realize the danger of clogged gutters. When gutters become full of leaves and twigs, the water cannot flow through the system, and it ends up flowing over the sides of the gutters. The water that flows over ends up pooling around the foundation. 

Pooling water around the foundation causes the ground around a home to weaken. Weakening leads to shifting, which can cause major problems to a foundation. Foundation repair is highly expensive. Homeowners need to do all they possibly can to keep their foundation protected, including taking care of their gutters. 

3. Save Money on Internal Home Damage

When the gutters of a home are not working properly due to being full of leaves and other debris, water can seep through the siding and into the basement or other areas of the home. Dealing with internal water damage can be expensive to repair. 

Cleaning the gutters will prevent this problem from occurring. Homeowners who do not have the time to take care of their gutters should consider hiring professionals to take care of this dreaded chore two times a year for them.

4. Save Money on Landscaping

Many homeowners take great pride in the shrubs and flowers that are growing in their landscape. Landscaping a yard is costly, even if a homeowner does all the work without professional help. 

When the gutters of a home are overflowing, the rainwater can begin to pool around the home and can be bad for any shrubs and flowers in the area. Overwatering can cause root rot and other conditions to develop that could cause problems with plant growth and health. 

5. Save Money on Mold Remediation

Any time there is a backup of water in an area, mold growth is common. Mold thrives in moist environments. It is always easy to tell homes that have a gutter problem because mold will begin to grow on their siding and around their foundation. Mold can also begin to grow indoors. 

Homeowners must take the initiative to clean their gutters regularly. It is also important homeowners monitor their gutter systems for any signs of damage that may occur. Prompt repairs are essential for keeping the gutter system operating properly. 

Tips for Cleaning Gutters Properly

Cleaning gutters is essential for homeowners who want to keep their homes protected against water damage. There are a couple of ways to address gutters. 

First, homeowners need to use their hands or tools to remove the leaves and other debris from their gutters. Having a sturdy ladder and a leaf bag is important. 

Next, a homeowner needs to use a hose to flush their gutters and ensure the downspouts are flowing properly. Using a water hose also allows a homeowner to find any damaged areas that are leaking so they can be repaired. The following tips will help homeowners better perform the chore of cleaning their gutters. 

1. Homeowners should practice safety first. It is important to wear goggles and a dust mask. Make sure the ladder is positioned on steady ground and someone is there for spotting.
2. It is also important homeowners have the right tools at their disposal. A trowel will work well, but a gutter scoop is even more effective at removing the wet leaves inside a gutter. 
3. As mentioned above, make sure to clean the gutters at least twice a year. Check the gutter system after major storms because high winds can lead to debris. 
4. Pressure washers can make light work of cleaning gutters but they can also cause damage if used incorrectly. It is important homeowners know how to use these tools correctly. 

Get Professional Help

If a homeowner needs help with their gutters, it is important they hire professionals to take care of the work. Professional gutter services help to ensure the gutters of a home are cleaned and ready to work as they should. For those who do not have time to devote to the chore of cleaning gutters, these are welcome services.