What Happens When Gutters Aren’t Maintained

Gutters are channels added to the perimeter of your home’s roof to carry water and any environmental debris to a safe drainage area, away from the home and its foundation. If you don’t maintain your gutters they might fall apart themselves, but that damage can be easier repaired than the damage it can cause to your home. Here are the most common threats posed by under-maintained gutters.

Damage To The Foundation

If gutters aren’t cleaned out, they can build up with debris and overflow in places. The water and moisture build up will flow onto the roof, down the home, and eventually to the basement and foundation of the home since it is not being directed away from the house. If too much moisture sits near the foundation of the home, the surrounding ground can become soft, and the foundation can form cracks. Even worse, if cold weather ensues the water can freeze and cause the structure to contract and expand, causing cracks.

Damage To The Basement

If water is sitting near the foundation of the home over a long period of time, it inevitably will seep directly into the basement walls themselves. The moisture is hard to get rid of and will cause unpleasant odors and mold. In more severe cases the water can cause flooding and permanent damage.

Damage To The Roof

Overflowing gutters is the worst problem to have when winter is coming. It causes ice and snow to sit on the home, rather than falling or melting off of it. The additional weight and moisture on the roof can cause holes and penetrate the attic, ceilings, and walls.

Insect Infestation

The ideal home for an insect is in moist places where organic debris is rotting. The gutters are a great home for many critters to eat and nest. If winter is coming, the warmth of the home will be attractive and they will move inside. Termites and carpenter ants are some of the biggest potential threats.

How And When To Clean Your Gutters

Just as you’d inspect your roof once a month and after storms, you should check your gutters at the same time to look for obstruction of drainage. Clean out any debris you can and then take a hose to the inside to remove as much dirt as possible. If you are physically unable to perform the task or don’t have the supplies to do it, you can call your local roofers for gutter servicing.

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Wildlife That Damages Roofs and Homes

Animals need shelter, just as humans do. When a creature is enticed by the warmth in your home and the food you might provide through garbage, per food, and bird seed they will find a way to nest in or around your home. The extent of damage these pests can do might be the least of your worries when animals can diseases, rabies, and parasites like fleas and ticks into your home. Damage can include ruined electrical wiring, insulation, damaged wood, infestation and feces. Here’s what you need to know.

Common Threats

Depending on where you live, different creatures will prefer dwelling in homes. Your State Wildlife Agency can be a resource for information about which animals to look out for and how to prevent them from being attracted to dwelling in or around your home. Common animals that can hurt your home are bats, birds, rats, raccoons, rodents, skunks, snakes, and squirrels. Common bugs that can affect your home are termites, carpenter ants, bees, wasps, and anything that nests.

Precautions

Occasionally inspect openings under your porches, basements, and your attic. If you find any evidence that an animal has been there, research further prevention and seal any openings as best you can. Keep tight fitting lids on your garbage cans and pet food containers if they are kept outside. Clean your pet’s bowls after feeding. Maintain your roof well. This includes trimming nearby trees so their branches don’t puncture the roof and allow an opening for creatures, and purchase a chimney topper that makes it difficult for animals to get in through the chimney.

After Infestation

If an animal has made a habit of coming and going from the home, has made it a permanent dwelling place, or has raised young there it’s time to get serious about preventing this problem from getting worse. Many cities and states have strict enforcement to protect certain wild life and endangered species, so check with your Wildlife Agency if you are thinking about capturing, poisoning, or killing any wild animal in or around your home. Also do proper research about your options with pesticides if you’re thinking about calling a pest control company. If at all possible use the lowest toxicity products possible first, and gradually introduce stronger product if necessary. Read labels and instructions thoroughly before handling any pest control situation on your own.

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Check Out Our Crossville Google Reviews

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