9 Reasons to Clean Out Your Gutters This Spring

Springtime motivates people to tackle exterior projects they may be unable to do the rest of the year. While keeping up on windows, roofing, and landscaping is essential, including your gutters in this list is critical because when left ignored, the system can break down and become clogged, creating a much larger issue. 

So, whether you're a DIY person or choosing to work with a professional, here are nine reasons why gutter cleaning needs to be at the top of your maintenance list.

Reduce the Risk of Damage to Your Home

Your gutter's primary job is directing water away from your home. When the system has too much debris, the water cannot move freely and, in most cases, will end up in cracks and crevices in your siding or roof. And while this might not seem like a big deal at first, over time, this can compound into a much larger issue that creates severe water damage inside your home. 

Remove the Risk of Infestations

The debris and build-up from leaves and branches can also become an inviting space for rodents or pests to move into. This can result in a health hazard for your family and potential damage to your home due to the infestation; from mosquitoes to snakes, clean gutters mean decreased chance of pests moving in. 

Protect Your Landscaping

Landscaping is a crucial feature for most homeowners, and a great deal of time is spent on tending the beds and keeping the space looking great. If your gutters are unkept and overflowing, the water can go straight onto your landscaping, damaging the beds or potentially killing the plants from oversaturation.

Improve Your Curb Appeal

If you are considering selling your home, full gutters can become a distraction and make the property look uncared for. Clean gutters show that you actively maintain your property, so whether you want to keep your curb appeal intact or you are looking to sell, regular cleanings can help achieve a pleasing aesthetic.

Enhance the Life of Your Gutters 

Debris can build up quickly; it only takes one storm for items to accumulate in the system. When left unchecked, the weight from the wet debris can build up, breaking down the gutter system and encouraging corrosion and rust to form, decreasing its lifespan. However, with proper cleaning and maintenance, a high-quality gutter system lasts 20 to 50 years, making it crucial to add to your cleaning list.

Decrease the Risk of Ice Dams

Ice dams develop when snow on your roof melts, run into the gutters, and refreeze. These dams create a barrier that will prevent proper drainage and can result in water collecting inside the system. With nowhere to go, this means the water has easier access to get inside your home and creates damage no one wants to deal with.

Keeps Your Windows Protected

Your windows are a key part of the aesthetics of your home and contribute to high energy efficiency levels that save you money. When gutters are clogged, this can lead to overflowing and end up accumulating in your windows. 

If the water is left unchecked, the sills and frames will absorb the water, causing structural damage like mold and rotting. Staying on top of regular cleanings means preventing overflow, adding extra lifespan to your windows, and more money in your pocket.

Guards Against Damage to Your Basement 

While not as common, basement flooding can be caused by clogged gutters, creating a massive headache! Basement flooding encourages the growth of mildew and mold and damages the structural integrity of the foundation of your home, and if the space is a common area, it can destroy items like electronics and furniture. 

Gutter cleaning minimizes the risk of water funneling into the basement and moving it away from the house entirely, so you don't have to worry.

Increases Your Comfort and Safety

You take pride in keeping your home in the best condition possible to maintain its value but to keep it protected and you and your family comfortable. Gutter cleaning decreases particulates and organic matter that can grow mold and mildew, becoming potentially unsafe with exposure. Just these reasons alone make getting regular gutter cleaning an essential part of maintaining your home to keep you and your family safer.

Restoration Geeks: Your Gutter Professionals 

Cleaning your gutters protects your home from water damage and increases the system's longevity, saving you time and money. 

Regular inspections can help you stay on top of maintenance, and if it is time for a new gutter system in Minnesota, Restoration Geeks can help! With over 20 years of experience from storm damage repairs to residential roofing, our projects are always completed with streamlined approaches for an expert finish.

Keep your home and property in great condition with a new gutter system today; message us online or call us at 952-500-9546 to schedule your consultation.