Although they may seem minor, rain gutters are crucial to a building's construction and well-being. They direct rain away from the property so it doesn't pool up. In extreme rain events, they prevent flooding and potential damage to the foundation. Even on a day-to-day basis, it helps prevent mold and mildew development.
However, having gutters and forgetting about them isn't enough. You have to keep them clean. The best way to do that is by regularly scheduling a professional. FEMA says doing so is enough to triple the life of your roof drainage system.
Over time, wind, rain, and animals can deposit debris into gutters and downspouts. They tend to fill up with leaves, sticks, acorns, dirt, granules from roof shingles, and more. Besides the fact that they no longer function properly, several problems arise from clogged gutters. Water that overflows directly onto the building can cause the ground to soften and shift, put the foundation at risk, and lead to costly basement flooding. The exterior walls can also sustain damage and staining.
A common issue in Virginia is that pooling water in the gutters ends up freezing. That results in ice dams, a ridge of frozen water along the roof's edge. From there, you wind up with a vicious cycle where the ice keeps melting snow from draining, and the pooled water and snow lead to further freezing.
One major problem with clogged gutters, especially those with ice dams, is that they can get so heavy they can rip off the roof entirely. That can pull away the fascia, siding, and shingles with it, causing costly damage to the roof and opening up holes that pests can use as entryways.
The accumulated moisture is also a major pest attractant. Rodents especially love gathering garbage, leaves, and mud and using them as a nest where water is readily available. Once there, they can chew up the fascia and siding until they enter the house. Pooled water also provides the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can quickly build up and subject you to the annoying buzz, bites, and pathogens they carry. The softened building material is also a feast for termites.
Cleaning everything out is no simple task, however. It can be dangerous to climb a ladder and extend yourself to the gutters, but surprises from what you find inside can damage hands and arms. Animals and stinging insects you surprise are more likely to attack, which can be perilous when you are up in the air. If you aren't careful, you could damage the gutters while cleaning them, accidentally pulling them away from the roof or causing them to crack, leaving you with new problems.
When it is time to get your gutters cleaned, go with professionals you know you can trust: Victory Home Solutions. We're veteran-owned, so it's clear we take our job seriously. We do a thorough, careful job and go above and beyond to ensure our clients are satisfied with our work.
Contact us today for an estimate.
