In the Fall up North people get a very clear reminder of the need to clean their gutters. . . falling leaves need to be removed before the big snows begin. But here in Southwest Florida, we don’t really get that reminder, we simply have to remember on our own that getting our gutters, soffits and fascia cleaned regularly not only keeps our house’s curb appeal, but also prevents long-term damage to our home. That’s because soffits not only contribute to the appearance of your home, but also help to ventilate your living space inside. Keeping the soffits clear of debris is important for uninterrupted air flow in your home and preventing mold growth as well. Clogged debris in your soffits leads to a high concentration of moisture, and any time we have moisture long term here in SWFL we have mold and fungus growth issues.
First let’s take a quick look at why your home may have soffits and fascia. These two things are interrelated and used when installing a roof. Together they help prevent mold and mildew from entering your home’s rafters. Soffits and fascia increase air ventilation and protect the areas of your home that are difficult to cover with paint. Fascia is used to create a barrier between the edge of the roof and the outside. It protects the roof from weather damage, and also provides a point for the gutters and drain pipes to attach to your roof.
Soffits and fascia require a soft pressure wash setting and a low-pressure nozzle, which is what UnderPressure excels at. You never want anyone to use a high pressure water blast when cleaning your soffits, as that could cause water to flow into the attic of your house. When soffits and fascia become too dirty, they also become harder to clean. Because of this, you want to get in the habit of getting them pressure washed regularly to avoid dealing with a huge mess or a more expensive maintenance issue.
Gutters are used to channel rain away from your home and your home’s foundation. With the torrential downpours we get here in Florida, a clogged gutter could cause a water backup that could cost thousands of dollars in roof damage. In other news. . . have you ever seen the citrus rats we have here in SWFL? They are huge, and dirty gutters are the perfect nesting spot for rodents. How often you get your gutters cleaned depends largely on the number of trees you have around your home. If you have a large number of trees on your property, you should be checking your gutters at least every four to six months to make sure they are not clogged.
If you’re interested in having your soffits, fascia and gutters cleaned safely and with long-lasting results, give us a call at Under Pressure at 239-218-5085.
Under Pressure Cleaning & Sealing Services proudly serving Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, Bonita Springs, Port Charlotte, Alva in Lee and Collier County, Florida
