As seasons change, it’s important to be aware of threats that can damage your home, such as untreated gutters. Leaving them unmaintained poses serious risks for your home which may not be covered against by your homeowner's policy.
This is a slippery subject, so stay focused: losses sustained at home by damaged gutters may not be covered by your homeowner’s policy. However, there are preventative measures you should be taking to avoid the need to file a claim in the first place.
A gutter's function is to direct water away from your home’s exterior walls, windows, doors, and foundation, which prevents water from making its way inside. Cleaning your gutters throughout the year will increase its lifespan, but it will eventually need to be repaired or replaced to help protect your home.
Keep an eye out for some of these signs of a bad gutter:
Clogged gutters can damage your home and increase the potential for someone in the home to develop health issues. And while gutters are an essential part of your home, don't expect your insurer to pay for gutter-related damages. We discuss that later in this post.
So, what exactly are the risks that untreated gutters can cause?
Gutters carry water away from your home to a drainage area. If your left uncleaned, gutter can cause water overflow, pouring along your home's foundation. Overtime, this can cause cracks to form and shift your foundation, which can result in collapse. Even if your foundation doesn’t fail, water can cause molding.
Water damage to the basement could be considered the most common gutter-related problems that homeowners deal with. When gutters are clogged, the water has to fall somewhere and more often that place is your basement. Your valuables may all be stored in the based and can be damaged beyond repair.
Gutters ensure water flows off of your roof to the ground. When gutters are full, the water has nowhere to go, which can soak into your roof. In colder climates, ice dams can form on gutters or lower edges of the roofs as well. This can cause leaks into your home and can deteriorate the home’s structure over time.
Untreated gutters invite mold and pollen, which effect those with bad allergies or can create issues such as breathing problems, fevers, headaches, and more. Managing the mold and properly cleaning as soon as possible is important. Otherwise, there can health consequences for everyone in the home.
Dampness and debris attracts insects. Not cleaning out gutters invites insects and animals to make a home there, which they can easily find a way in yours. Gutters that cause foundation damage can create the way for pests to come into your home. In this case, calling the exterminator is not being pro-active. Don't invite the pests in!
When it comes to gutter-related damage, there are a few exclusions from your policy to remember:
As a homeowner, you must understand your policy and how maintaining your home can affect it. Make sure to study it thoroughly, you might be surprised at what you find!
You can always clean your own gutters, or you can hire a pro. Most homeowners prefer to rely on professionals for ongoing gutter maintenance. While it is a fairly dangerous job, it can be a DIY project you're up to the challenge. Let's take a quick look at the pros and cons of both options.
Regardless of how you choose to do it, you're going to climb that ladder, and safety should be the only thing on your mind when you do so. If you're feeling bold, consider these safety tips before starting:
Keep in mind, thousands of people visit the emergency room every year due to ladder-related injuries. If you are unsure about your safety, then definitely consider hiring a professional to get the job done.
Almost ¼ million people visit the ER each year due to ladder-related injuries.
As a homeowner, your safety, time, and budget are always a priority. While it is more expensive than doing it yourself, hiring a professional to maintain your gutters might be in your best interest for the speed and long-term effectiveness of the job.
Here are a few benefits to hiring a pro:
Untreated gutters present real serious risks to your home that can threaten your home’s contents, foundation, or roofing.
If you don't maintain your gutters regularly throughout the year, your insurer has a right to deny your claims, forcing you to pay out of pocket for repairs.
Unsure about your coverage? Talk to one of our home insurance experts for advice on your exposures and coverage related to gutter damage or any water damage in general.