Now that fall has arrived, gutter cleaning is a necessary step to prepare your home for the colder weather ahead. By removing the debris and built-up leaves, you’ll ensure proper drainage during rain and snowstorms. While it’s no one’s favorite activity, you’ll find there are significant advantages to cleaning the gutters before winter’s chilly arrival. 

What Are the Benefits of Cleaning Your Gutters?

1. Discouraging Pests

Common household pests, from ants and termites to birds and rodents, will find damp leaves in the gutter to be an appealing shelter. You can prevent nesting and infestations by scheduling a gutter cleaning during the fall. Contractors will remove blockages and perform a thorough inspection of the gutter system. They also have the experience to notice minute signs of damage and repair them before they become significant issues. 

2. Preventing Damage

When full of debris, twigs, and leaves, gutters can’t drain rainwater from the roof. Instead, it will overflow and weaken the siding, but the roof will deteriorate the most. The exposure can lead to rotting and leaks that may penetrate the five roof layers and do significant damage to the exterior and interior of your home. When winter arrives, the backed-up water will freeze and expand, forming ice dams that are detrimental to the gutters and the roof. 

The gutters give direction to the falling rain, draining it away from the house. When they’re clogged, the overflow of water trickles down the siding and pools at the property’s foundation. During the winter, the rain freezes and expands, causing visible cracks. The foundation may begin to sink or settle, which will decrease your home’s value if the damage isn’t repaired. 

3. Averting Overwatering 

Water spilling over from the gutters will not only damage the roof, siding, and foundation, but it can also drench the garden bed. The overwatering will affect your plants’ health and may even drown the greenery. 

4. Saving Money

Prevention is always cheaper than repairing or replacing. Gutter cleaning in the fall (and once again in the spring) will ensure proper drainage, which will provide a longer life span for the roof.

Roof leaks can encourage mold and mildew growth that reduce indoor air quality and require professional remediation.

When water is directed away from the property by clean gutters, the foundation will be spared from damage, and water seepage won’t occur in the basement or behind the siding. 

Clean gutters also prevent overwatering, saving homeowners from landscaping bills to replace shrubs, flowers, and plants. 

For 30 years, Countywide Roofing, Inc. has installed, repaired, and maintained roofs while developing an exemplary reputation for quality and affordability. Their licensed, bonded, and insured contractors provide comprehensive support to prevent damage and extend the overall life span of your roof. Learn more about the services they provide to homeowners throughout Lorain County, OH, by visiting their website. To schedule gutter cleaning or repairs, call (440) 246-3328.