Fall is a time for renewals, for new beginnings, and the changing of the seasons. It is also time to start preparing your Delaware lawn for the upcoming winter months ahead. While getting your yard prepared and focusing on your fall maintenance routine, don’t forget about the one important task that is often overlooked, cleaning out your gutters. Why are these mostly unseen parts of your home’s foundation so important? Read on as we tell you.
A Gutters Purpose
The purpose of a gutter is to collect rainwater and force it away from your business or home. Long, hollow gutters are usually attached to the edge of a roof. There are various types of gutters, including different colors, shapes, and styles. There are typically two types of rain gutters, the half-round gutter, and the K-style gutter. The half-round gutter is usually found on older buildings and is shaped like a round tube. The K-style gutter has a flat bottom and back, while the front side of the gutter usually has a decorative shape.
Five Reasons To Maintain Your Gutters
Reason One: Prevent Water Damage
Along with water damage to your foundation’s structure and lawn outside, clogged gutters can cause basement flooding, which is a serious problem for most homeowners. Obstructed, broken, or cracked gutters can overflow and spill around your basement. Water that gets in can ruin furniture, appliances, mementos, and interior décor. It can also lead to mold and rotting, which is terrible for anyone who has allergies and upper respiratory problems.
Reason Two: Prevent Basement from Flooding
Along with water damage to your foundation’s structure and your lawn outside, clogged gutters can cause basement flooding, a serious problem for most homeowners. Obstructed, broken, or cracked gutters can overflow and spill around your basement. Water that gets in can ruin furniture, appliances, mementos, and interior décor. It can also lead to mold and rotting which is bad for anyone who has allergies and upper respiratory problems.
Reason Three: Reduce the risk of a cracked foundation
When water is blocked from traveling away from your home, it can pool around the foundation of your house. This water can crack your foundation when it expands and freezes in the winter months.
Reason Four: Prevents Pests
Clogged gutters hold standing water and other debris, which by now we all know is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. Mosquitoes, rats, mice, and other pests are attracted to debris-filled water and are just waiting to make your gutters their next home. Many of these pests carry diseases and germs. Keeping your gutters cleaned will help keep these pests further away from your home and your family safe.
Reason Five: Expands the Lifespan of Your Roof
Unclogged gutters full of water and debris add weight to your roof, putting undue stress on it. The added weight can potentially cause the gutters to crack and split and break off. When water continues to flood over your roof, the stress can eventually cause a rotting or leaky roof.
How Do I Know if My Gutters Are Clogged?
We recommend cleaning or having your gutters cleaned in spring and fall on an annual basis. If you are trying to save time or money, there are ways to tell if your gutters are clogged without climbing on the roof and looking at them. The next time it rains, here are a few signs to look for:
- Little to no water coming out of the downspout
- Water pooling around your foundation
- Leaks in your basement
- Water spills over the edges of your gutter
For All Your Gutter Cleaning Needs, Contact the Pros at Quality Cut Lawn Service
Quality Cut Lawn Service offers spring and fall yard clean-ups to help you keep up with the maintenance of your yard. We service businesses and homeowners throughout New Castle County and beyond and can handle all of your property pick-up needs and seasonal gutter cleaning. Never jeopardize the safety of your home or family again with clogged gutters. Call on the experts at Quality Cut Lawn Services. For more information on our yard clean-up or gutter cleaning services, visit our website, fill out our online request form, or give us a call at 302-420-7597.
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