During the fall, storms bring leaves and precipitation down on your home. Your gutters help drain water away from your roof and foundation, protecting them both. Without maintenance, gutters will clog with debris, which can create several problems for your property. The following guide explains why you should hire a handyman to clean out these channels.

Why It’s Important to Maintain Your Gutters 

1. Roof Damage

When gutters become blocked, the rainwater they are supposed to divert from your property can back up and settle on roofs instead. Settled water can create soft spots in roof matting and shingles. Apart from forming cracks and leaks in your roof, these puddles also provide a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. 

2. Foundation Damage 

Additionally, clogged gutters can cause rainwater to spill over the sides of the channels. This leads to water pooling on the ground around the foundation of homes. Not only can this water seep into cracks and enter the basement, but it can also erode soil to the point that your foundation shifts.

3. Winter Ice 

Gutters left untreated in the fall can become hazardous by the cold winter months. Soaking debris and water left in the gutters can freeze into heavy ice chunks. The weight can cause gutters to tear off the roof. Ice formation can also damage and crack shingles. To avoid this, call a handyman to clean your gutters in the autumn.

4. Pest Attraction

If you have wet, rotting debris in your gutters, it will likely entice insects and rodents. They use decaying material as nests. Bugs and fungi also thrive in dirty, stagnant water. Once settled in the channels, they might make their way inside your home via the roof. If they do, they can damage building materials, leave behind droppings, and contaminate food and surfaces.

 

Keep your home well maintained with the team at LaPlace and Eagan. Family-owned across three generations, these professionals serve Deep River, CT, and the surrounding areas, offering everything from painting and power washing services to gutter cleaning. Contact them today at (860) 526-5429 to schedule an appointment with a handyman. Visit them online to see their other capabilities.