Every homeowner faces a list of tasks to keep up with to maintain their space. Although there are many aspects that one must consider in their dream home, the importance of gutter cleaning is one which is often left behind.
What Are Gutters For?
The main function of gutters is to redirect the flow of water from the roof towards the downspouts and away from your home’s foundation. A house without gutters may cause serious problems. Amassing leaves and detritus on the roof could block water flow leading to organic matter accumulating and eventually rotting, causing future problems for your home. Properly installed gutters save you money by preventing water-damaged interiors and issues with the house’s foundation. They can even decrease condensation buildup on windows.
One of our regular clients is Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay. Each year we venture out to the Island to clean the gutters of the old officer’s barracks. Even at the world’s most infamous former prison, it is essential to clean the gutters regularly.
McCarthy Painting offers flawless gutter cleaning and several more services that will fit your residential and commercial building maintenance needs. We guarantee a magnificent number of McCarthy’s satisfied clients and a high retention rate.
Why Clean Gutters?
The leaves, dirt, and debris which gather in the gutters may hinder the flow of water (be it from the rain or melted snow). An eventual buildup of those could actually trap that water. The water could eventually seep into your roof’s flashing, leading to water damage inside your home. Once the water gets inside the house, this will open up more issues to you, the homeowner. And so, prevention is absolutely crucial.
Some issues you may contend with the water damage could include:
- rusting of the gutters
- infestations of rodents and mice
- problems with the integrity of your roof as it weakens from waterlogging, and
- introduction of mold and mildew in your home
There is no need to put more emphasis on the importance of having clean gutters. To avoid trouble in the future, make sure yours are up to the job.
When Should I Have My Gutters Cleaned?
Seasonal changes affect our gutters. From summer to fall, trees shedding their leaves means more debris and accumulation on the roof. This may lead to blockages which if not addressed early, could lead to disaster during the colder months. The debris that piles up could prevent the flow of melted snow in the winter, which leads to the weighing down of the gutters. The excess weight could damage not only the gutter but also your roof when the gutter decides it no longer wants to be attached to the side of your house. And even if this doesn’t occur, you might just be left with rust and mold to deal with—definitely not how you want to welcome a new season.
These factors are why we recommend that the gutters be cleaned at least once a year, preferably after the first major winter storm. If however, you live in an area with an abundance of trees or places of construction, it may be wise to have the gutters checked more often than that. It is best to have your gutters cleaned before winter really sets in, if only to save you from any future headaches.
What are The Signs of Damaged Gutters?
Sometimes, even when we try our best, gutters could still get damaged. Here are a few signs to look out for to know you may have issues with the gutters:
- When it rains, it pours. Literally. The gutters may be obstructed or damaged if water is flowing from the sides of the gutters when it should only be coming from the downspouts.
- Rusted and/or sagging gutters could suggest waterlog and the source if often a blockage from too much debris.
- Paint peeling on the side of your house could mean that the gutters are leaking water.
- Damaged landscaping around your home could also point to leaky gutters which no longer redirect the water away from your home.
- Finding leaking water in your basement could point to a problem with your gutters or it could indicate water damage to your home’s foundation.
Gutter Cleaning: Hiring vs. DIY
When it comes to cleaning gutters it may be tempting to do it yourself. But, there are a number of factors to consider before you decide to grab your ladder from the old workshop.
Before you even begin, you may already realize you are in over your head. Gutter cleaning is not just cleaning your gutters. It actually entails a proper assessment of the job before you even begin. To a layperson, a damaged gutter may prove to be a big problem making repair necessary.
If you do decide to trudge on anyway, another aspect you may realize is your lack of tools. Gutter cleaning services have their own tools, such as ladders, supports, and washers, that a typical homeowner may not have. And even if one does happen to own these things, the general expertise needed to manage the job may be beyond the grasp of a regular individual. Not to mention the dangers associated with going up a ladder leaning on the side of your house.
Hiring people to do the job for you saves you time and money. It also prevents any untoward incidents which may arise as a result of safety dangers or a lack of appropriate training and equipment. If you decide to hire instead of doing it yourself, you can be sure of the quality and expertise offered by the professionals.
Why Hire McCarthy Painting, Co.
At McCarthy Painting, Co., we have a variety of services to meet your home needs. McCarthy’s gutter cleaning services are well-known throughout the San Francisco Bay area—even to the point that one of our regular clients, Alcatraz, has trusted us for years.
Each year, you will find our team venturing out onto the island, cleaning the gutters of the old officers’ barracks and helping preserve the history of the area. This goes to show that even at the world’s most infamous former prison, having clean gutters is incredibly important.
Our numerous services can cater to your residential and business needs. We aim to keep you home (and your gutters) clean and maintained, perfectly preserving the house of your dreams.