Why Gutter Cleanings are essential~ even in a drought.

When weather conditions run dry, more is affected than just your lawn and plants. The trouble runs deeper and broader, affecting wildlife, ecosystems, soil, and foundations.

Wikipedia defines drought as: “an event of prolonged shortages in the water supply, whether atmospheric (below-average precipitation), surface water or ground water. A drought can last for months or years, or as few as 15 days. It can have a substantial impact on the ecosystem and agriculture of the affected region and cause harm to the local economy.”

Global Warming and extreme weather patterns are increasing drought potential. Even areas which do not usually succumb to drought are beginning to feel the effects. Not only does this affect the soil and plants, but also the economy and ecosystem. Specifically, it affects you as a homeowner. Soils dry and shift with drought, causing settling as gravity naturally seeks to fill in the cracks left behind by shrinking soil. Your home’s foundation may shift and settle into these, leading to cracks in foundation, structural damage, sticky windows and doors, and uneven, sloping floors.

Conversely, when it rains, clay-rich soil becomes expansive soil, trapping rain water, essentially flooding the soil and contributing to excessive run-off and flooding. This can lead to an even greater hazard if cracks have formed in the foundation. Now your home is primed for water damage and moisture-related issues.

While this devastation may sound frightfully out of control, there are measures you can take to protect your home (and your paycheck).

• The first thing you will want to do is inspect your home. Whether you choose to do this yourself, or hire a professional (many offer free inspection), taking a thoughtful stroll around your home may highlight hidden dangers.
• The next most important step is to GENTLY water the soil around your home…(think misting, not torrent). As long as there are no restrictions on water usage, keeping the soil moist around your foundation prevents caving or collapsing.
• Next, consider your landscaping. If there are large trees near your foundation, guess who is going to win…NOT YOU. Tree roots will absorb more moisture, which is bad for your foundation. However, planting shade plants and shrubs will contribute to the prevention of soil evaporation.
• Finally, clean your Gutters! As previously mentioned, rain after a drought oversaturates the soil, causing structural damage to your foundation walls. By cleaning your gutters, you are preventing this torrent of rain water from pooling and puddling near your foundation. This will also help to prevent the spread of algae to other surfaces of your home.

Professional Gutter Cleanings are extremely affordable, especially if you consider all the money saved ($$$$$) by preventing further structural damage to your home. While Gutter Guards are a helpful preventative option, they are not infallible, and still must be maintained to have smoothly flowing gutters.

Protect your investment! Schedule your Professional Gutter Cleaning with The Grime Fighters.