Most homeowners pay at least some attention to their garage doors, windows, HVAC units, septic tanks and lawn equipment, but they sometimes pay little or no attention to their gutters. They only do so when the gutters begin to leak. If your gutters aren't in good condition, they won't direct and drain the rainwater from the roof away from your home. This means the water would instead cause a lot of damage to your foundation and sidings.
Furthermore, neglected or poorly maintained gutters would attract annoying pests in your home and cause other unexpected nightmares. Whether big or small, gutter repairs should be done promptly for the following reasons.
Pests and Insects Lose Their Nesting Site
Most people wonder why pesky pests and sometimes birds find their way into their home even when they are using the repellents and other methods to send them away. They hardly suspect the clammy debris that collects in their gutters, causing major clogs. When the soggy debris in the gutter system begins to decompose, it attracts carpenter ants and termites that might eventually damage your property.
Gutters with stagnant water also become excellent breeding zones for mosquitoes. The debris accumulating in the gutters doesn't just hinder water flow, but it also becomes a suitable nesting place for birds. If you want to avoid insect and pest infestations, clean the clogged gutters and repair the damaged ones quickly.
Keep Wood Damage at Bay
If your gutters can't catch and channel the runoff away, the roof components, such as the siding, aren't protected. Clogged gutters can't control rainwater, and this means the wooden areas of your house would get damaged. Wood damage usually occurs when the water in the clogged gutter overflows onto the siding instead of being funnelled away. Most gutters are usually connected to the wooden boards like the soffit that start to rot when the rainwater overflows. If gutter repairs are ignored, the wood siding or the ceiling and even the attic might start to rot.
Maintain a Safe and Firm Foundation
If your foundation is weak or damaged, your home will crumble, and it won't be easy to keep the moisture out. Although various elements contribute to a damaged or weak foundation, a defective gutter system might be the main culprit. When the gutter system is unable to control the runoff, the water gets to the eaves of the roof. If more water gets into the ground, the foundation will be damaged. As the water gets into the ground, the soil expands, causing more pressure to build up on the foundation walls. If this takes place during winter, the wet foundation then freezes, forming cracks that cause costly structural damages.
When your gutter system is faulty, the infrastructure of your property is at risk. Contact guttering contractors to inspect your gutter system regularly and repair it when necessary.