Gutters may seem like a minor feature of your home, but they serve an important purpose. They play a vital role in filtering rainwater away from your property.
Unfortunately, when fall leaves start dropping, many of them end up in your gutters. It doesn’t take long for them to become completely blocked and become a dirty mucky mess.
If not addressed right away, this could lead to a number of issues, which in turn can lead to costly repairs. We’re going over some of these problems below.
Plus, if you’re asking yourself, “How much to clean gutters,” keep reading. We’ll go over the estimated cost.
Foundation Issues
If your gutters get clogged, instead of water getting carried away when it rains, it’ll overflow. You’ll end up with a waterfall down the side of your house.
The result is water collecting at the base of your home. In time, this will cause the soil to erode prematurely, which will lead to foundation issues.
If water pools around the base of your home in the winter and freezes, it will expand. This can lead to cracks in your foundation.
Foundation issues are extremely costly to repair, so make sure you have your gutters cleaned on a regular basis.
Keep Pests Away
Dead leaves, branches, and other debris provide the perfect environment for insects and other pests. They will either build nests in this debris or forage for food.
If your gutters attract these pests, some will eventually make it into your home. This is a huge problem in the summer months when mosquitoes, roaches, and other insects are out in full force.
Keep your gutters as clean as possible so pests will look elsewhere for a safe haven.
Prevent Exterior Damage to Your Home
If water drips down the side of home instead of through your downspouts, it will eventually start to cause exterior damage. Water damage spreads quickly, so make sure you clean your gutters at the first sign of a problem. You could even end up with water damage on the inside of your home. The facia boards are typically the first things to rot when the gutters are overflowing.
Wood rot is one of the most common issues associated with clogged gutters. This can happen on roof edges, walls, facia boards and window sills. If your home is made of wood or siding, you also run the risk of paint peeling off.
How Much to Clean Gutters?
Now that you understand the importance of having your gutters cleaned, you’re probably asking yourself how much it costs?
The total expense depends on how big your home is and the condition of your gutters. Expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $600 for a cleaning, depending upon the severity of the problem, the size of your roof and any minor repairs that may need to be made.
This may not seem worth the investment at first, but it’s nothing when compared to foundation or exterior repairs. And the peace of mind is really worth it when investing in the longevity of your home.
Have Your Gutters Cleaning Today
Regular home maintenance is the best way to increase the longevity of your property and avoid unexpected expenses. Having your gutters cleaned on a regular basis will keep your home in great shape and help maintain a comfortable environment for you and your family.
If you’re a bit uncomfortable on a ladder, and are not completely sure that your gutters are in quality shape, have a professional come out and give you an estimate. It’s well worth the money and estimates from Delano Construction are FREE!
We provide gutter services in Tacoma and throughout Pierce County. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
