Eavestroughs are supposed to collect rainwater and direct the water away from your home’s foundation. However, when they become clogged, they do not function properly and result in damage to the home. The main culprit behind a non-functioning eavestrough is clogged channels. Clogs can occur when twigs, leaves and other types of debris deposit themselves in the eaves through and get caught in the downspout. The blockages occur over time. Cleaning your eavestrough is one of those home maintenance tasks that often gets ignored. The fact that this part of the house is often out of sight is the main reason behind the neglect. Unfortunately, the putting off this maintenance can cause disruptions in its functioning. Here are six reasons why you need to clean your eavestroughs.

Rotting Wood

If your home has any wood around it, a clogged eaves through can cause the wood to warp and rot. If water builds up and is allowed to stand for a couple of hours or days, the moisture can start to impact the wood. If the problem persists, you may find yourself spending thousands of dollars replacing the wood around your home. Bugs are attracted to moist conditions. When moisture collects near the wood and foundation, it can attract termites.

Potential Breeding Ground for Insects and Other Pests

Standing water in an eavestoughs can serve as a breeding ground and home for animals and insects. The non-draining water will start to stand, causing any debris to rot. The pools of rotting leaves and water become an attractive home to mosquitos. The pools also provide a source of food for other insects and can attract birds, skunks and other unwanted pests.

Blockages During the Winter Causes Leaks

If you live in an area where snow is a regular part of winter, you need to keep your eavestrough free of debris. Ice can form around them and exacerbate the blockage problems. Ice blockages prevent the drainage of snow. When the snow melts, the water has no where to go and could start to leak into the interior of your home. This leaking can cause costly damage to your walls and ceiling. The leaks can also produce hazardous mold.

Foundation Damage

Clogs affect the regular functioning of your home’s eavestrough. Instead of the water moving away from the foundation, it is now channeled to or near it. Pools of water that begin to form around your home’s foundation will eventually damage it. When the water does not flow through the system, it will pour over the eavethrough’s sides. Over time, the water that the settles near the foundation will cause cracks and other foundation issues. These problems may lead to foundation failure.

Avoid Physical Damage to the Eavestrough

When your eavestroughs become cluttered with leaves, twigs, water and other items, they get weighed down. The excess weight can cause them to start to pull away from your home and alter their shape. When the eavestrough pulls away from the home, they are no longer able to do their jobs. When the eavestrough pulls away, it changes the flow of water. This change can cause leaking,foundation and damage to the home’s wood features.

Lawn Damage

Failing to keep your eavestrough free from debris can also help your lawn. Clogs can cause an overflow in water. Excess amounts of water can kill your grass, trees and plants. It can also lead to severe lawn erosion that requires a professional to fix. Again, these are problems that occur overtime, but a lack of attentiveness can result in lawn care issues. If your lawn is damaged by water, lawn service in Toronto can help you repair the problem.

It is easy to overlook cleaning your eavestroughs, but doing so can be detrimental to your home. They should get cleaned them twice a year, in the spring and fall. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, it is one that will save you money in the long run. When a problem arises as the result of a lack of maintenance, the repairs can cost thousands of dollars. It is not advised that your clean your gutters yourself If you need to schedule a cleaning, contact your local eavesthrough cleaning company. They have the professional expertise to safely and effectively keep your eavestroughs maintained.