Eavestroughs, or gutters, are an often neglected area of a home for maintenance and cleaning despite their critical role. Given that they are responsible for funnelling rainwater away from your home to prevent damage, they are often left to their own devices, which can lead to water damage, pest infestation, and other issues that can severely compromise the safety and value of your property.
In today’s blog, we’ll take a closer look at how important it is not to skip eavestrough cleaning and how your home can benefit from regular gutter maintenance.
What are Eavestroughs?
Eavestroughs are drainage systems installed along the edges of a roof to collect and direct rainwater away from the house. This prevents water from pooling on the roof or around the foundation, protecting your home from potential water damage and costly repairs. Typically, they are made from materials such as aluminum, vinyl, and steel, each offering unique benefits in terms of durability, cost, and aesthetic appeal.
Why Regular Eavestrough Cleaning is Essential
Given their position high up on your home’s roof, you likely don’t think about your eavestroughs much until it’s too late and they’re clogged up, so let’s look first at why regular cleaning is so important.
Preventing Water Damage
The most critical role of eavestroughs is to move rainwater away from your home. Unfortunately, over time, leaves, twigs, dirt and other debris can accumulate in the gutters and downspouts, obstructing the water flow and leading to buildups. The backed-up water can overflow and seep into your roof, leading to damage there and even in the walls, rotting fascia boards, and damage to your siding and landscaping. Overflowing water can pool around your foundation and then seep in, where it can cause widespread damage, including basement flooding, mould growth and more structural issues.
Preventing Pest Infestations
Backing up with water is not the only issue clogged eavestroughs can cause. They also are the perfect habitat for a wide variety of pests, from mosquitoes to rodents and birds. Standing water in blocked gutters attracts mosquitoes, which can become a nuisance and carry diseases. At the same time, the debris offers comfortable nesting materials for rodents and birds, which can damage the eavestroughs and even your home itself.
Extending Eavestrough Lifespan
The debris and stagnant and overflowing water can also damage the eavestroughs themselves. Trapped moisture can lead to corrosion in metal gutters and promote mould growth in vinyl and plastic ones. The added weight of debris and standing water can also cause the gutters to deform or completely detach from the roof. Any of these instances can severely shorten the lifespan of the eavestroughs and present you with costly repairs or replacements. Comparing the cost of regular cleaning to the expense of replacement can easily show how much you can save with regular maintenance.
Potential Issues from Neglect
We have touched on some of the potential issues that neglecting your eavestroughs can cause, so let’s take a deeper look.
Neglecting eavestrough cleaning can result in a variety of structural issues. Overflowing water from clogged gutters can enter your roof and fascia boards, leading to rot, mould, and mildew growth. This can, in turn, cause severe health hazards inside the house, especially for people with respiratory issues. The water can also damage the siding and exterior walls, leading to ugly stains and mould on the outside of your home as well.
If water is not properly directed away from your home, it can pool around your foundation and lead to soil erosion, weakening the foundation and allowing the water to infiltrate. This can lead to cracks, increasing the risk of basement flooding and mould growth. Foundational damage is one of the most expensive repairs to a home, so the cost and effort to invest in regular eavestrough cleaning far outweigh what you would have to calculate to pay for repairs.
Clogged eavestroughs and subsequent overflowing water can also severely damage the surrounding landscaping. Whether it’s eroding garden beds and lawns or damaged plants and shrubs, the problem can greatly impact your home’s curb appeal and require costly landscaping repairs.
Recommended Cleaning Frequency
The general rule for eavestrough cleaning is twice a year, typically in the spring and fall, to prepare for or recover from winter. This seasonal cleaning ensures that debris from fallen leaves, flowers, or other organic matter can be removed before causing blockage in the gutters or downspouts.
However, several factors can influence your cleaning frequency. If you live in an area with many trees close by, especially tall trees, you may experience a higher volume of leaves and twigs. Similarly, regions with heavy rainfall or frequent or stormy weather might require more regular maintenance to prevent blockages.
Sometimes, your eavestroughs send you signs that they need immediate cleaning, including water overflowing during rainstorms, visible debris in the gutters, and sagging or detached eavestroughs. These issues should be addressed promptly to prevent them from escalating and causing even more costly damage.
DIY vs. Professional Cleaning
Another common question is whether you should do your seasonal gutter cleaning yourself or hire a professional gutter cleaning company.
DIY Cleaning
Cleaning eavestroughs yourself can, without a doubt, be a cost-effective option, but it comes with its own set of pros and cons. The primary advantage is the potential savings on labour costs. However, DIY cleaning requires the right tools and safety precautions. To safely clean eavestroughs, you must:
- Gather Necessary Tools: Gloves, a sturdy ladder, a scoop or trowel, and a garden hose.
- Ensure Safety: Place the ladder on a stable surface and have someone assist if possible.
- Remove Debris: Use the scoop or trowel to clear out leaves, twigs, and other debris.
- Flush with Water: Use the garden hose to flush out any remaining dirt and check for proper water flow.
- Inspect for Damage: Check for any signs of wear or damage that may require repair.
Hiring a Professional
On the other hand, despite being more costly than the DIY option, hiring professional eavestrough cleaning services comes with a long list of benefits, including expertise, efficiency, and thoroughness. Professionals have the right tools and experience to clean gutters safely and effectively. They do this every day, so they know what to pay particular attention to, and they can also use their experience to quickly spot existing or developing issues, allowing you to fix problems before they turn too big. This peace of mind and potential prevention of costly repairs make it a worthwhile investment. When hiring a professional, it is critical to research and choose a reputable service with positive reviews, proper certifications and insurance coverage.
Don’t Neglect Your Eavestroughs
Regular eavestrough cleaning is crucial for maintaining your home’s structural integrity, appearance, and safety. Simple routine cleaning has significant long-term benefits, from preventing water damage to pest infestations and material deterioration. Whether you opt for DIY cleaning or professional services, not neglecting your eavestroughs can save you a lot of hassle, time, and money, both in the short and long run.
Splash Window Cleaning specializes in exterior cleaning services, from professional window cleaning, gutter and eavestrough cleaning to power washing and roof cleaning. We offer comprehensive services to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing top-quality service and ensuring that your home remains clean and functional year-round.
Splash Window Cleaning has been the number one choice of businesses in Toronto and the GTA for over 18 years. With professional and efficient service, we perform comprehensive exterior cleaning so you don’t have to.
Contact us today at 416-652-3074 for a quick and free estimate, or fill out our convenient online form to be your choice for professional exterior cleaning in Toronto!