Gutter Guards in Biloxi MS

10 Benefits of Getting Your Gutters Cleaned Out

Clogs inside your gutters can become a costly issue for any homeowner, which is why you should clean out gutters regularly.

Let’s look closer at the 10 main reasons homeowners should routinely clean out their gutters.

1. Prevent Water Damage

Clogs inside your gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into your attic, walls, and foundation. This can lead to mold growth, damaged roofing, flooded basements, and many other costly repairs. 

Cleaning out your gutters periodically throughout the year prevents debris buildup and ensures rainwater and melting snow will flow away from your house properly. 

It also helps to avoid water damage by preventing excess water from traveling into your home through crevices and cracks in the siding.

2. Prevent Foundation Damage

Clogs inside your gutters often means water starts to pool around the foundation of your home, which can cause settlement and cracks in the foundation. Water can seep into basements and crawl spaces, resulting in flooded areas, mold growth, and damage to contents stored in these spaces.

Regularly cleaning out your gutters prevents overflow and diverts water away to protect your home’s foundation.

3. Avoid Roof Damage

Debris in gutters leads to water backup under roof shingles. This traps moisture against the roof structure and, over time, causes wood rot, lifting shingles, and roof leaks.

Proper gutter maintenance allows for adequate roof drainage to prevent costly structural damages.

4. Prevent Mold and Mildew

Overflowing gutters during storms can soak exterior walls and windows. This creates damp conditions ideal for mold and mildew growth on siding, trim, and other areas. 

Regular gutter cleaning removes debris from inside your gutters so water can flow away from the home properly.

5. Fire Prevention

Clogged gutters are a fire hazard, especially in areas with pine trees and leaves. Flying embers may ignite built-up debris inside your gutters, so keeping your gutters free of debris is especially important for homeowners who live in wildfire-prone areas. 

A gutter guard protection system can greatly reduce the risk of fire by keeping flammable debris buildup out of your gutters.

6. Avoid Pest Infestations

Standing water and debris attract mosquitoes, carpenter ants, termites, and other pests. They nest in clogged areas and can enter through fasciae into attics and ceilings.

Meanwhile, rodents like squirrels are attracted to debris-lined gutters as prime areas to nest and feed. Blockages also enable access onto roofs and into attics. 

Routine cleaning removes these enticing habitats for pests.

7. Help Prevent Ice Dams

When melting snow cannot drain, it refreezes at night along eaves and gutters. Layers of ice buildup called “ice dams” trap more water, causing leaks and roof damage. 

By keeping gutters cleared out, ice dams are less likely to form.

8. Preserve Landscaping

Clogged gutters lead to overflow and water runoff, which erodes soil around foundations. This damages landscaping via washout of topsoil, plants, and trees. 

Properly draining and well-maintained gutters prevent erosion and landscape damage.

9. Keep Up Curb Appeal

Clean gutters are visually more appealing and enhance a home’s curb appeal. Potential buyers notice deferred maintenance like peeling paint or gutters overflowing with debris. Regular cleaning makes a great impression for a faster, higher–value sale.

Overall, timely gutter cleaning is essential maintenance to extend the life of your roof and entire home.

10. Help Avoid Costly Home Repairs

Neglected gutters allow moisture issues to cause all types of expensive repairs, from landscaping restoration to full roof replacement. 

Regular gutter cleaning is a necessary home maintenance task that helps prevent costly repairs due to water damage over time.

Gutter Cleaning: DIY vs. Professional

Cleaning out your own gutters may seem the easiest and cheapest option because the only costs are your time and equipment, like a ladder and trowel. But the truth is, cleaning out your gutters yourself comes with added risks, including the possibility of falling off the ladder.

Ladder falls are one of the top reasons for emergency room visits. This is especially dangerous for those with multi-level homes. That’s why it’s best to leave the gutter cleaning to the pros. 

Professional gutter cleaners are more experienced on high ladders and have the proper equipment to safely lean, reach, and clean out debris while on the ladder. A gutter cleaning pro will also be able to identify any damage. 

Having your gutters cleaned out regularly by a professional will ensure your gutters look good and work properly for years to come. You won’t have to worry as much about water leaks, clogs, pest infestations, or damage to your home, which makes it worth the cost.

Gutter Guards: The Solution to Gutter Cleaning

Hiring professional gutter cleaners several times a year can be costly, but a hands-free alternative to cleaning out your gutters exists. A gutter guard protection system like LeafFilter® will protect your gutters from dirt and debris, allowing only water to get in.

Installing the proper gutter guards reduces the amount of debris that gets in the gutter. While most gutter guards allow some dirt and debris to enter and tend to clog, LeafFilter® gutter guards feature a micromesh filter that does not let any debris get in while continuing to allow water to flow through.

No gutter is entirely maintenance-free, but a gutter guard can greatly minimize the cleaning required. With LeafFilter® gutter guards installed, you may only need to wipe off your gutters once or twice a year.