Don’t Let This Happen to You: The Dangers of Not Cleaning Your Gutters

It’s easy to forget about your gutters until there’s a problem. Unfortunately, many homeowners find out the hard way what can happen when they don’t clean their gutters regularly. Clogged gutters can lead to basement moisture problems, rotting fascia boards, ice buildup, warped siding, and more. They can also cause your gutter system to completely break away from your house. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of not cleaning your gutters and provide some tips on how to keep them clog-free!

Looking for gutter cleaning in Houston or a nearby community? Contact TruShine, your Houston Gutter Cleaning Headquarters today.

The Dangers of Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause a variety of issues for your home’s foundation. They often become full with debris, twigs, leaves, dirt, nests, and pests. When this happens it becomes difficult or even impossible for water to drain properly from the roof into the gutter system below which leads to dangerous basement moisture problems as well as problems with your home’s foundation.

Below are just a few of the issues that can result from clogged gutters.

Basement moisture problems. When water cannot flow through a clogged gutter system, it will spill over the sides and land right next to your home’s foundation.  This can cause the soil around your home to expand and put enormous pressure on your basement walls, leading to cracks where water can enter.

Foundation shifting. Gutters that are not cleared of debris on a regular basis can also lead to foundation shifting. This happens because as rain and melted snow pour over the edge of clogged gutters, the soil around your home becomes waterlogged. When the water dries up, the soil will contract. All this soil movement means your foundation does not have a stable surface on which to rest, and will move and shift.

Driveway and walkway shifting. When gutters overflow, the water will often flow down the side of your house and collect in large puddles on your driveway or walkway. The water that sinks into the soil around your driveways and walkways can cause the soil to move and shift, taking the concrete along with it. This can lead to slipping, tripping, cracks, chips, and broken pavers.

Damage to your roof, soffits, and fascia. When gutters overflow, water can come in contact with your roofing materials, soffits, and fascia. This damage can be particularly severe during Houston’s hot summer months when the sun’s UV rays can cause rapid deterioration of wood and other building materials.

Water damage to your siding and windows. Houston gutters that overflow can cause water to seep behind your siding, causing it to warp and rot. Water damage can also enter through the sides of windows, causing them to rot and deteriorate.

Termite infestation. Gutters are a favorite place for termites because they provide a dark, moist area in which to breed. Other pests and rodents are also attracted to gutters that aren’t properly maintained and can build nests that further clog your gutters. Pest and termite infestation that begins in your gutters can easily move into your home.

Algae and moss growth. Houston gutters that don’t drain properly allow algae and moss to grow, which can eventually cause damage to your roof.

If you’re like most Houston homeowners, you probably don’t think about your gutters until they clog and create a mess. By then, it’s often too late to take care of the problem yourself. That’s why it’s important to call in the Houston gutter cleaning pros at TruShine at least once a year to keep your gutters clean.

3 Reasons to Hire the Houston Gutter Cleaning Pros

1. Safety.  Cleaning gutters can be a dangerous task. We have the right equipment, skills, and training to get the job done safely.
2. Save time. We can clean your gutters in no time flat.
3. Preventative maintenance. We can identify problems with your roof, siding, gutters, and downspouts that you may not notice.

So, if you’re not cleaning your gutters on a regular basis, be sure to do so as soon as possible. Not only is it important for the health of your home, but also for your safety! For Houston gutter cleaning services that will get the job done right, call our team at TruShine.

Gutter guards are another great solution to help prevent these problems by allowing water to flow through while keeping debris out or at least slowing down its accumulation. Learn more about Houston gutter guards here.