One of the great things about fall is the changing leaves. The colors are so pretty to look at, but they can also be a warning sign that it's time to clean your gutters. If you don't keep your gutters clear, all those leaves and other debris can cause some big problems, such as flooding, structural damage, and pest infestations. Keep reading to learn more about why fall gutter cleaning is an important step in your winterization routine!
Fall Gutter Cleaning – Why You Should Do It
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Your gutters play an important role in keeping your home protected from the elements. They channel water away from your roof and siding, helping to prevent water damage. When they become clogged with leaves, twigs, and birds’ nests, however, they can no longer do their job properly. Water can back up and seep into your home, leading to serious problems like mold and rot.
Here are a few more reasons why you should be cleaning your gutters this fall.
Roof Damage
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Many homeowners don't realize that leaving leaves and debris in their gutters can lead to serious problems with their roof. Water can build up and cause rot, leaks, and other damage. Furthermore, clogged gutters can cause ice dams to form in the winter, which can lead to even more damage.
That's why it's so important to keep your gutters clean and clear throughout the fall season. You can do this yourself by using a ladder and getting rid of all the leaves and debris by hand. However, if you're not comfortable doing this, you can always hire a professional gutter cleaning service. Either way, it's important to make sure that your gutters are clean and free of any obstructions.
Basement Flooding
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Fall is an important time to clean your gutters because if you don't, you're at risk for basement flooding. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and seep into your home through the foundation, resulting in a flooded basement.
Not only is this a health hazard, but it can also damage your belongings and can lead to mold growth. It's much easier to clean your gutters then to redo your basement.
Foundation Issues
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Water that isn’t diverted away from your home by gutters can seep into the ground around your foundation and cause cracks. This can lead to serious problems like mold, wood rot, and structural damage.
So, if you want to avoid costly repairs down the road, it’s best to keep your gutters clean and free of debris.
Pest Infestation
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Pests love nothing more than a nice, warm, moist environment – and that's exactly what your gutters will provide if you let them get clogged up with leaves and other debris. All that standing water provides a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can then spread dangerous diseases like Zika virus and West Nile virus.
Clogged gutters can also attract other unwanted guests, like rats and termites. If you want to keep your home safe and pest-free, be sure to clean out your gutters this fall.
Gutter Damage
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If you don't clean your gutters in the fall, you could be setting yourself up for gutter damage. When leaves and other organic matter build up in your gutters, it can cause the aluminum to corrode. This can lead to leaks and other problems with your gutters. In more dire cases, you may need to replace your gutters.
Gutter Guards
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Gutter guards are an important part of protecting your gutters and home from damage. As mentioned, leaves, twigs, and other debris can build up in your gutters and cause them to become clogged. This can lead to water damage to your home’s foundation or exterior. Gutter guards help prevent this by keeping debris out.
There are many different types of gutter guards available on the market. Some are made of plastic or metal mesh and fit over the top of your gutters. Others are installed inside your gutters to keep debris from entering. You can also find great alternatives to install yourself. Most types can be installed by homeowners without the need for professional help. However, if you do hire a professional, installation should take no more than a few hours.
Whichever type you choose, gutter guards can significantly reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning your gutters.
LeafFilter
LeafFilter is the number one recommended gutter guard company in America and for good reason. Their gutter guards are top-of-the-line and will protect your gutters from any type of debris. If you live in an area with a lot of trees, LeafFilter gutter guards are an especially good idea. They can help prevent your gutters from becoming clogged with leaves and twigs, and keep birds and small animals from nesting in inconvenient spots.
Not only will they keep your gutters clean, but they will also save you money in the long run by preventing any damage to your gutters or home!
And if you would like to take advantage of some special affiliate promos - LeafFilter has got you covered. You can keep those falling leaves out of your gutters by saving 14% plus $200 off on LeafFilter Gutter Protection. Seniors and Military save an additional 10%.
Get Your Mind Out Of The Gutter!
Fall is a great time to clean your gutters! Not only will it help keep your home in good condition, but it can also prevent some big problems like structural damage and rodent infestation. If you don't clean your gutters, you're putting your roof, and home, at risk. So, take the time to do it right and you'll be glad you did when your roof is still in good shape come wintertime.
Have you cleaned your gutters lately? If not, make sure to add it to your fall to-do list! Do you have any tips or tricks for getting the job done safely and efficiently? Leave them in the comments below.