Rain, Gutters & Downspouts!

Spring in the Midwest means rain. In our greater Cincinnati region, we average about 42-inches of rain each year, with April, May, and June seeing the most days of precipitation. While rain brings flowers and a freshness after the gray days of winter, it also means it’s time to think about seasonal chores that include the cleaning of your home’s gutters and downspouts.

Gutters and downspouts play a vital role for your home. If the gutters become clogged and the downspouts don’t divert water away from the house, problems happen—often costly problems.

Water Damage to Windows, Walls, and Attic

The rain has to go somewhere, and if the gutters are clogged it overflows and cascades to your windows. In time, the rainwater damages wood, seeps behind siding, and backs up under shingles. This leads to moisture and water damage in the attic as well as windows and walls.

Water and Mold in the Basement

If your basement takes on any water after a heavy rain, it doesn’t take long for mold to develop. Mold can develop in less than 48 hours after any type of water damage and leaks. The basement water seepage that contributes to mold can be caused by clogged gutters and downspouts that are positioned incorrectly. Downspouts need to divert water away from the foundation, which should slope away from the house. On average, the soil should slope approximately six-feet away so rainwater never pools next to the foundation creating cracks and entering the the basement or crawlspace.

Water Stains on Siding, Stucco, and Painted Surfaces

Overflowing rainwater from clogged gutters splashes onto the side of your home and over time creates unsightly stains on the siding, stucco, and other painted surfaces. Decaying leaves and other debris from the clogged gutters can overflow as well and create a mess on your home and around it as well.

How Often Do Gutters Need Cleaning?

Typically, gutters should be professionally cleaned at least twice a year. However, it really depends on the number of trees on the property, their proximity to the home, and the heaviness of the leaf-dropping. Gutter cleaning often is a chore that many homeowners put off, and that’s understandable. It can be dangerous and who wants to spend their Saturday up on a ladder removing gunk from a gutter?

That’s why United Window Cleaning is here. We’ve served the Cincinnati area for several generations and are family-owned with professional teams ready to take care of your gutters today. We’ll safely clean your home’s gutters and make sure the downspouts are diverting the water away from your foundation. Contact us at 513-721-5987 to schedule an appointment.