Any homeowner knows the importance of keeping the gutters clean. And any who don’t know, find out the hard way. The fact is that from roof to basement, your house is a single system, and if one<img class="alignright wp-image-158 size-medium" src="http://cincinnatipowerwashing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/commecial-sidewalk-1-199×300.jpg" alt="Cincinnati Power washing" width="199" height="300" srcset="http://cincinnatipowerwashing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/commecial-sidewalk-1-199×300.jpg 199w, http://cincinnatipowerwashing.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/commecial-sidewalk-1-200×301.jpg 200w, http://cincinnatipowerwashing find more info.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/commecial-sidewalk-1.jpg 311w” sizes=”(max-width: 199px) 100vw, 199px” /> part is broken or not working as it should, it affects the entire house. Clogged gutters may not seem like a major problem but they can cause leaky basements and even damage the foundation. Pressure washing gutters can solve those clogs.
Fortunately with exterior house cleaning and pressure washing gutter services, it’s easier than ever to keep gutters clear and running, carrying rainwater and snowmelt to where it should go rather than to where it should not. Regular maintenance can prevent a whole lot of problems, from leaky basements to roof algae to mold.
Clogged gutters create problems
From the roof the basement and everywhere in between, clogged gutters can cause problems due to moisture and dampness finding their way into the structure. Clogged gutters can cause a whole range of problems, affecting the house – basement, foundations, roofs, attics – and the people who live in it.
For example, some of the consequences of clogged gutters that you may never have considered:
- Basement water problems
Even though it’s not easy to see the connection, clogged gutters lead to basement leaks. That’s because water overflows from clogged gutters and collects around the foundations of the house. The next step will be water leaking into the basement and causing a flooded floor. - Mold
When water goes where it shouldn’t, like walls, roof and basements, the damp encourages the growth of mold. Mold can cause health problems like asthma, sinus infections and worse. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all types of mold can be health hazards, causing illness and even leading to death. - Water damage to the foundations
When gutters get clogged, they can no longer direct the water to where it should go, safely flowing into storm drains and away from the house. Clogged or misdirected gutters can be a problem. Downspouts should face away from your house and direct water at least 1.8 meters away from the foundation walls of your house. They should not direct water towards your neighbor’s house either, but towards the yard or the road. - Roof algae
Roof algae can grow upward from clogged gutters and damage the roof by weakening shingles, which may become loose or start leaking water into the house itself.
Gutter cleaning can help to prevent these problems before they occur, and keep your house structurally sound and strong. House washing companies use pressure washing to clean gutters, decks and exteriors, to maintain your home in pristine condition.