You may not realize it, but your gutters play an integral role in keeping your home safe. Along with your roof, it safely diverts water away from your property. However, if you neglect your gutters and allow debris to clog portions of it, it defeats the very purpose of having gutters in the first place. Not only that, stagnant or pooling water can also be a breeding ground for bacteria that can be hazardous to your home’s occupants. In today’s article, trusted California roofers, Royal Roofing Construction, share the dangers of stagnant gutter water.
Legionnaires’ Disease and Pontiac Fever
Stagnant water in your clogged gutters is the ideal environment for a bacteria called legionella to grow in. They thrive in temperatures between 68 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The sediment and organic debris typically found in gutters can also promote its growth.
Legionella causes a pneumonia-like illness called Legionnaires’ disease as well as a mild flu-like illness called Pontiac Fever. The most effective way to prevent this problem is to have your gutters cleaned regularly by a residential roofing and gutter company.
The longer you wait to have your gutters cleaned, the higher the chances of a clog developing. Most experts recommend that you have your gutters cleaned at least twice a year. Another way of keeping debris out of your gutters is by installing gutter guards. Gutter guards or gutter shields, depending on who you talk to, are extremely effective in keeping your gutters clear of any debris. This will ensure that rainwater will flow uninterrupted so that there is no chance for this hazardous bacteria to grow.
Don’t have time to deal with clogged gutters? If you live in the areas in and around Santa Ana, CA, be sure to give Royal Roofing Construction a call at (714) 680-0015 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free inspection.
