Aesthetically, gutters can add just the right finishing touch to a home’s exterior. However, gutters do much more than increase the visual appeal of your home’s exterior. Your gutters are an essential contributor to your home’s well-being, but you may not fully understand the importance of keeping your gutters clean.
Why Are Clean Gutters Important?
Gutters are a vital component of any Texas roofing system. Their function is to collect the water flowing from your roof and direct it away from your exterior walls, foundation and any flower beds or shrubs planted near your home. Gutters that are clogged with debris cannot perform their intended function.
If a gutter cannot channel runoff to a safe location, the water will find another route. The gutter can overflow and run down the exterior walls, potentially damaging your siding or foundation plantings. Water can collect around your foundation, increasing the likelihood of settling, interior cracks in your drywall, a flooded basement and cracks in the foundation. The water may back up underneath your roof covering; roof contractors often find rotten roof decks and fascia boards that are the result of a clogged gutter. Decayed fascia boards can provide squirrels, birds and other unwelcome intruders with easy access to your attic, potentially resulting in additional damage to your home.
Your roof company may also discover that an undetected leak was the cause of extensive damage to your wall studs, siding or insulation if the water leaked behind your siding. Also, Austin roofing contractors frequently find that a clogged gutter is the breeding ground for the mosquitoes that rob a family of the ability to enjoy their backyard.
Should Homeowners Clean Their Own Gutters?
Cleaning out a home’s gutters can be messy, potentially risky and challenging. More than 200,000 Americans annually wind up in the emergency room after falling from a ladder. Homeowners may also suffer cuts or strained muscles caused by their efforts. There may also be a few surprises in store for the unsuspecting homeowner, including the chance of encountering a beehive, dead animal or nest of hornets. Many roof contractors in Austin include gutter cleaning as one of their roof services, and the price is typically quite economical.
How Often Do I Need to Clean My Gutters?
Most homeowners should have a professional clean their gutters in the spring and again in the fall. However, if you have a great many trees on your lot, you may need three or even four cleanings every year.
Who Is the Roof Contractor Austin Homeowners Rely On for Exceptional Roof Services?
Alpha Roofing is the roof contractor Austin homeowners trust for their roof-related needs. We are an award-winning roof company known for our craftsmanship, professionalism and customer services. Our roof services include the installation of asphalt shingles, metal roofing systems, siding, skylights, and flashing. We offer chimney repairs, moss removal, roof inspections, emergency roof repairs and a number of other roofing services. We make it easy for you to request a free quote; you can call 512-777-1086 or fill out the online form.