The gutters surrounding your home’s perimeter do more than ferry rainwater away from your roof and property. They are also key to mold prevention. Take a moment to review what your Orange County mold inspectors want you to know about gutters in relation to the fungi, and how to keep them clean. 

The Importance of Gutters

If gutters become clogged with leaves, twigs, animal nests, assorted blown trash, and other debris, they cannot do their jobs. Rainwater does one of two things as a result: it backs up under roof shingles or spills over the sides of the gutters to pool around the home’s foundation. Water that infiltrates a roofing system provides an ideal environment for mold to flourish since it’s dark and damp. The fungi consumes cellulose in wooden decking to compromise structural stability and triggers allergic reactions among household members if it spreads far enough. 

Should rainwater pool around the home’s foundation from overflowing gutters, it can enter the basement through window gaps and foundation cracks. Since the subterranean space is often dark and potentially damp from surrounding soil, it too provides an ideal environment for mold that damages cellulose materials and causes allergic reactions. 

Gutter Maintenance Tips

Your Orange County mold removal service recommends cleaning your gutters at least twice a year to eliminate blockage-causing debris. If your property features numerous trees near the house, clean the gutters three to four times a year to prevent mold growth from debris clogs. Remove debris with gloved hands as a safety precaution; use your garden hose to clean the downspout since it can also become clogged with organic matter. If you don’t have time for routine gutter cleanings, consider installing leaf guards. Also known as gutter guards, these products feature tiny holes that allow rainwater to enter, but not sizable debris. Small particles enter the gutters as a result to keep water flowing efficiently. While leaf guards do not eliminate cleaning, they make it easier to maintain proper roof drainage. 
Should you require a mold inspection for your Glendale home, contact Mold Masters to set up an appointment.