The Importance of Guttering in Roof Maintenance

12 Jul The Importance of Guttering in Roof Maintenance

When was the last time you checked your gutters? If you’re like most homeowners, your guttering is one of the last things you think about.

However, did you know it plays a vital role in protecting the property against water damage? Never underestimate the damage a faulty guttering system can do. Below you’ll discover why regular gutter maintenance is important and the problems that can occur if its left unchecked.

Rot, mould and roof damage

The biggest, most expensive problems that can occur if your guttering stops working properly, are rot, mould and roof damage. This largely occurs when the gutters become blocked. Leaves, debris and moss can all clog up the gutter, causing water to build up and seep through into the property.

If the water gets through to the fascia of the home, it will lead to rot and mould. Once it takes hold, mould can be extremely difficult to get rid of. Rot can also affect the wood within the roof and within the walls of the home. This would prove very expensive to repair!

Of course, if the wood does start to rot, this also poses a serious risk to you and your family. Structural damage is not only expensive to fix; it could also cause the roof to cave in if left untreated.

Pest problems

With blocked gutters, often comes unpleasant guests. The debris clogging up the gutter is a haven for rodents. It provides an ideal place for them to make nests and before you know it they’ll be inside the home looking for food.

Depending upon where you live, the standing water that collects in blocked gutters could also attract mosquitos. The UK doesn’t have a massive mosquito problem, but they are still present in various parts of the country.

Another pest you wouldn’t associate with blocked gutters is bees. Some homeowners have discovered bees have started to build honeycomb in their guttering system.

Pests aren’t just frustrating to deal with, they can also pose a health risk. So ensuring your gutters are clean and clear is vital if you want to keep both your home and your family healthy.

Overall, blocked and broken guttering can cause real issues for both you and your property. While it’s a job you can sometimes do yourself, it is recommended you have the guttering professionally cleaned once or twice a year. That way, if there are any potential problems, the contractor will be able to spot them early, potentially saving you a fortune in repairs.