Why Cleaning Your Gutters is So Important

What I’ve learned over my years in real estate,  there are three issues that can quickly make a potential Buyer change their mind about  purchasing a property: Water, Mold, and Smells.

I recently represented a Seller who had a Buyer back out of a deal because the home inspector found water in the crawl space.  It was an older home with a dirt crawl space and this particular inspector made the water issue seem incredibly expensive to resolve. (I will get into over zealous home inspectors on another post).

So we had to figure out why the water was getting in and how to fix it.  I knew that one of the major culprits of water intrusion is clogged gutters.  When gutters become clogged, they can no longer do their job of channeling rainwater away from the roof and foundation. As a result, rainwater may overflow, seeping into walls, ceiling, and foundation. This can lead to costly repairs, including structural damage and mold growth.

Since the gutters hadn’t been cleaned in many years, the Seller did agree to hire someone to professionally clean them. Once that was done, he also installed  downspout extensions to push any water away from the house.

During the next few weeks, we happened to have a lot of rain and checked the crawl space regularly which remained dry. It cost the Seller less than $200 to resolve the issue.

Other Reasons to  Clean Your Gutters Regularly

Maintain Curb Appeal
Clogged and overflowing gutters can also impact your home’s curb appeal. Stagnant water and debris can create an unsightly mess, causing discoloration, stains, and deterioration on your home’s exterior. Regular gutter cleaning helps keep your home looking its best and can even enhance its resale value.

Preserve Roof Integrity
Roof replacement or repair is expensive. Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling on your roof, increasing the risk of leaks and damage to shingles and underlayment. Regular gutter cleaning can extend the life of your roof, saving you money on premature repairs or replacement.

Prevent Pest Infestations
Debris-filled gutters can become a cozy home for pests like birds, insects, and rodents. These unwanted guests can not only be a nuisance but also cause damage to your home’s structure. Keeping your gutters clean eliminates this potential nesting spot and helps safeguard your home against pest infestations.

Conclusion
Make gutter cleaning a regular part of your home maintenance routine, or consider hiring a professional to help keep your home in excellent condition and avoid the headaches that come with neglected gutters. Remember, a little prevention can go a long way in preserving the beauty and integrity of your home.