Gutter Cleaning 101: What Does It Include and Why Is It Important?

During autumn, there is the time for falling leaves which also result in clogged gutters, which in turn, leads to gutter cleaning. When you notice that your gutters need cleaning and are clogged, you should never neglect it or else it could result in costlier mistakes for you. This is because the rainwater would sleep inside your home thereby damaging your property. Thus, it becomes extremely important for cleaning gutters from the ground.

Here are mentioned the basic facts about gutter cleaning and the importance of cleaning gutters, starting from the rooftop to the basement.

What is gutter cleaning?

The process by which debris, dirt, and leaves are removed from your gutters as well as downspouts, which causes clogging of your gutter system and stopping rainwater from flowing freely from the roof to the ground, is known as gutter cleaning.

Now, the arises as how do professionals clean the gutters? The professional gutter cleaners usually clean the gutters with the help of their hands or by machine. Once the gutter system gets cleaned, they use water to flush out with water so that the remaining particles are also removed with it and the rainwater would be able to flow through the gutter systems with ease.

Gutter Cleaning

Components of the Gutter System-

The main agenda of the gutters is to channel the waters through downspouts and away from the home. Here are mentioned the components of the gutter system-

  • Gutter
  • End Cap
  • Fascia Bracket
  • Downspout
  • Elbow

What do clean gutters do and why gutter cleaning is important?

We all are aware that when the gutters get clogged with leaves, dirt, twigs, and other debris, they tend to stop functioning perfectly. However, as soon as it is observed, they are cleaned and thereafter following benefits are offered by them-

  • Gutters when functioning properly, redirect the rainwater from your roof away from the house.
  • The gutters help in reducing moisture and condensation from windows and window sills.
  • Gutters also help in the protection of exterior as well as interior walls from heavy rains.
  • They help in keeping water out of the basement as well as the foundation.

Why are gutters important?

Prevention of Roof Damage

When you have clean and unclogged gutters, they tend to function well. They help in redirecting the rainwater away from your roof through the downspouts. But, the problem comes in when the rain gutters get clogged with leaves, dirt and debris. In such cases, rainwater gets trapped inside the gutters, thereby preventing the water away from the roof.

Now, the rainwater gets its way to penetrate inside the roof and causes the following issues-

  • Rotting of the roof
  • Weakening the roof’s construction
  • Seeping from the roof into your home

Prevention of cracks in foundations

Clogging of gutters let the rainwater move straight towards your basement and foundation. This can also lead to landscaping.

The soil usually expands when excessive amounts of water saturate the ground, thereby pushing your foundation. Now, the foundation contracts after the soil dry up. Also, when the water gets into your basement, the following issues are caused-

  • Uneven flooring
  • Cracks in drywall
  • Windows and doors that don’t shut

Protect exterior walls

Your home’s exterior often gets destroyed when rainwater gets stuck in gutters. The areas that usually get affected are-

  • Shingles
  • Soffits
  • Fascias

These areas get waterlogged and then they stop working efficiently. Also, mold, mildew and algae will grow on the exterior wall.

How often you should clean your gutters?

It is known that gutter cleaning should be done once to twice a year. The best time that is considered to clean the gutters is autumn as the leaves tend to fall from the trees. Also, it is seen that homeowners clean their gutters during spring when they have multiple trees as their priority. Regular cleaning of gutters is important for roof and gutter maintenance.

Gutter Cleaning

How do Professionals clean the gutters?

The professionals proceed with gutter cleaning by using the right tools, procedures, as well as supplies. The professional experts use the right ladder and pro vacuums, trowels and power washers to clean the gutters. Here are some steps by which they do the gutter cleaning-

  • Choosing the appropriate ladder with proper height.
  • Using industrial strength vacuums to remove debris, algae and pests.
  • Use a power washer or a garden hose to flush out the gutter.
  • Regularly inspect your gutters and the gutter guards to check if they need replacement.

Conclusion-

Now you must be knowing that gutter cleaning is very important and what is the purpose of gutters, how do they protect your home’s architectural beauty. For more information on gutter cleaning and the importance of gutters, get in touch with rain gutter experts at Sunshine Gutters South.

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