Are you suffering from a clogged gutter at home? Here’s all that you need to know and do!
Just like other things in your house, gutters also need to be cleaned and maintained frequently. Clogging of a gutter may look like a minor issue, but it has several underlying ramifications for the foundation of your house.
If you have clogged gutters, your home can have serious draining issues during rain.
Let’s first learn how to identify the clogging of your gutter and the impacts of the clog on your house.
Roof leakages
If your roof starts continuously leaking, it’s a clear sign of a clogged gutter. When clogged gutters don’t drain out the water, it stays off the roof, forming a pool of water. The water then starts seeping through the ceiling, and the dripping begins.
Unless you unclog your gutter, the problem will keep getting worse, and the seepage will continue.
Formation of Mold
When the water stands for a prolonged period of time, it leads to mold formation. So, if you observe mold formation on your roof, walls, etc., it’s an indication of a gutter problem.
Mold is extremely dangerous for your health, and can cause allergic reactions and skin problems. It’s also challenging to get rid of mold, and it can cost you hundreds of dollars in damages if it is not removed by a professional in time.
Moreover, the standing water can make your walls and wood soggy and full of rot.
The weakening of your house’s foundation
When the water fails to drain properly, it weakens your house’s foundation. This can significantly damage your house and reduce its overall worth.
It’s much more costly to get your foundation fixed than it is to keep your gutters unclogged. Keeping your foundation safe will keep your entire house safe.
Damage to your yard and landscape
If your gutters are clogged, it can have a severe impact on the grass and plants in your yard. The unclogged and spilled water can drain away from your plants and form puddles in your yard.
Yards and landscape play a vital role in the value of a property. So, not only will you have to regrow your plants, but you may also lose some property value.
Steps to take to unclog your gutter
We have already discussed the importance of keeping your gutters unclogged, so let’s now look at the steps that you can take to keep them clean.
Step #1: The first step is always to ensure your safety. Wear shoes that provide grip and clothes with strong fabric. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from debris.
Step #2: Get a firm ladder that can sustain your weight and stay put. Get down the ladder with a water hose, and start spraying the water inside the downspout of the gutter. Use a soft tool, plastic, impenetrable cloth to remove the debris from your gutter.
Step #3: Keep watering the downspout until the water starts flowing out of the gutter freely.
