A well-maintained gutter will protect your property from becoming damaged by the rain by safely channelling water away from the building.
Your property?s gutters provide vital protection from rain damage but are only effective when well maintained.
All gutters will collect debris like leaves and twigs over time and it is essential that this debris is cleared on a regular basis.
A clogged gutter is quick and simple to fix so may not sound like a serious problem, but if left it can cause serious and expensive damage to your property.
Here are just a few of the problems that can be caused by clogged gutters:
- Structural damage.
- Internal leaks.
- Damp, mould or rot.
- Basement flooding.
- Foundation damage.
Having your property?s gutters cleaned regularly is a simple and affordable maintenance task that can save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run.
Whether or not you already hire a professional to maintain your guttering, you should know what the tell-tale signs are that your gutters need cleaning.
Here are the five commonest signs that your gutters could be blocked and require immediate attention.
Sagging
Sagging gutters could indicate that your gutters haven?t been installed correctly or are broken, but are more likely to be caused by the weight of debris. If your gutters are sagging, you should have them inspected by a professional immediately as they may have become damaged and require replacing rather than just cleaning.
Pests in gutter
If your gutters are full of twigs, soil, leaves and other debris, then they may become an attractive habitat for pests like insects, birds, rats and mice. Pests that make their homes so close to your property could cause damage to the building or even make their way inside, so should be dealt with immediately.
Plant growth
If there is a lot of debris in your gutter it won?t be long before seeds find their way into them and begin growing. If you notice greenery sprouting from your gutters, then you probably have a problem that requires urgent attention.
Overflowing water
One of the commonest and most obvious signs that your gutter is blocked is overflowing water. If you notice water gushing over the sides of your guttering, then it?s probably being forced out by a build-up of debris. Large amounts of water overflowing and running down your property?s exterior or pooling on the ground outside your property can lead to serious water damage if not dealt with quickly.
Exterior staining or damage
Any damage to your property?s exterior around or below your gutters could be caused by overflowing water. Look out for staining or mildew on your property?s siding and damage to your shingles or fascia boards.
The frequency with which your gutters require cleaning may vary depending on your property?s location. Properties in very built up cities where there are few trees and plants may be able to get away with not having their gutters cleaned for longer than those located in areas surrounded by trees. We recommend a thorough clean at least twice a year.
If your gutter requires cleaning, why not hire a professional to get the job completed quickly, safely, and to a very high standard?
Here at Archer Window Cleaning we provide professional gutter cleaning to commercial properties across the North West and even further afield. For more information about our service or to book a free quote on your job, give our team a call on 0161 870 6503.
