Is Eavestrough Cleaning Worth It?
If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, you know how unpredictable the weather can be. From heavy rain and snow to strong winds and ice, your home has to withstand a lot of elements. Your eavestrough system is one of the most important parts of your home that protects it from water damage. But do you know how often you should clean your eavestroughs and why it matters?
Eavestroughs are the metal or plastic channels that run along the edge of your roof and collect rainwater and melting snow. They direct the water to the downspouts, which carry it away from your foundation and prevent flooding and erosion. However, eavestroughs can also collect a lot of debris, such as leaves, twigs, dirt, animal nests, and even garbage. This can clog your eavestroughs and prevent them from draining properly.
Clogged eavestroughs can cause a number of problems for your home, such as:
- Roof leaks: When water backs up in your eavestroughs, it can seep under your shingles and damage your roof. This can lead to leaks, mould, and rot in your attic and ceilings.
- Basement flooding: When water overflows from your eavestroughs, it can pool around your foundation and seep into your basement. This can cause structural damage, mould, and electrical hazards.
- Pest infestation: When debris accumulates in your eavestroughs, it can attract insects, rodents, and birds that can nest and breed in your eavestroughs. This can pose a health risk and damage your eavestroughs and roof.
- Ice dams: When water freezes in your eavestroughs, it can form ice dams that block the flow of water and snow. This can cause water to leak into your home and damage your roof and walls. Ice dams can also be dangerous if they fall off your roof and hit someone or something below.
- Eavestrough damage: When eavestroughs are full of debris and water, they become very heavy and put a strain on your roof and fascia. This can cause your eavestroughs to sag, crack, or pull away from your home. This can also damage your siding and landscaping.
To avoid these problems, you should clean your eavestroughs regularly. Experts recommend cleaning your eavestroughs at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. This will ensure that your eavestroughs are clear of debris and ready for the rainy and snowy seasons. You can also check your eavestroughs after a storm or a windy day to remove any debris that may have fallen into them.
Cleaning your eavestroughs can be a tedious and risky task, especially if you have a high or steep roof. You will need a ladder, gloves, a bucket, a scoop, a hose, and a brush. You will also need to be careful not to damage your eavestroughs or injure yourself. If you are not comfortable or confident doing it yourself, you can hire a professional eavestrough cleaning service to do it for you. They will have the right tools, skills, and experience to clean your eavestroughs safely and effectively.
Cleaning your eavestroughs is an important part of home maintenance that can save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run. By keeping your eavestroughs clear of debris, you can protect your home from water damage, pest infestation, ice dams, and eavestrough damage. You can also improve the appearance and value of your home. So don’t neglect your eavestroughs and make sure you clean them regularly. Your home will thank you for it.
