Do you ever get an inkling that your eavestrough cleaning (or gutter cleaning if you are down south) has to do with your sneezing fits indoors? Some might think it’s far-fetched but hear me out! I’m going to explain to you the surprising link between eavestrough cleaning and indoor allergies, especially if you live in Calgary where the weather can sometimes be unpredictable.

What is the Difference Between Gutter and Eavestrough?

To set the record straight at the outset: are eavestrough and gutter the same thing? The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but in fact they are both synonyms for one concept. That would be the ones found directly where the roof meets the walls of a home. These channels along either side of your roof guides rainwater down and away from your house. Call it an eavestrough, a rain gutter, or some other adopted name: both have the same purpose.

How Often Should You Clean Your Eavestrough?

How frequently do you need to dust off those sleeves and clean your eavestrough? Twice a year would be ideal: once in spring and once in the fall. As long as you live in a neighborhood with trees, anyway. You might need to do it more often than that to clear the autumn leaves so the water can flow freely.

What Time of Year is Best for Gutter Cleaning?

The best times for cleaning the eavestrough are spring and fall. During spring, it’s important to remove debris that accumulated during winter storms. In the fall, cleaning is necessary before leaves drop and cause blockages. Given Calgary’s specific climate, these seasons are particularly crucial for maintaining clean eavestroughs.

Mold and moss in an eavestrough that hasn’t been cleaned.

Mold and Mildew: The Sneaky Allergens

Water trapped in eavestroughs due to blockage result in bot of moisture which promotes mold and mildew. These mushrooms grow in hilly or marshy areas and spread little particles that can easily be put into circulation. Mold spores, when inhaled, may cause allergies or asthma among people who live or work in the building. In the light of the recent researches, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has presented evidence that mold spores exposure results in these health problems.

Effective eavestrough cleaning helps in avoiding water stagnation thus preventing microbial growth around the house and subsequently constraining indoor mould spore exposure to unsuspecting occupants. This is as simple as you may think, but it is very effective in ensuring that those slight allergic triggers do not creep in.

Allergen Accumulation: A Hidden Reservoir

In addition to leaves and debris, eavestroughs contain pollen, dust mite, and other irritants that result from a filled eavestrough. These allergens may be easily blown by wind or washed away by rain; chances of these getting into your home include when your windows are open or you have a working air conditioning system. A research done at the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology revealed that enhanced levels of the allergens indoors are associated with increased symptoms if allergies outside.

Eavestrough cleaning assists in getting rid of this allergen source that gathers near the house resources in getting eliminated from entering your living space.

A lady picking out debris from her eavestrough.
What’s the most unbelievable thing you ever picked out from your eavestroughs?

Pest Control: Keeping the Creepy Crawlies Away

Water accumulation inside the eavestroughs can also pose a problem since it can promote the breeding of mosquitoes and other rodents. These pests bring allergens such as dust mite feces and drop coated cockroach feces, making indoor allergies worse. Cleaning efforts prevent pests from using the eavestroughs area to lay eggs and multiply, thus needing a solution. As provided by the National Pest Management Association, there are several ways of managing pests; one of them is to ensure that eavestroughs are cleaned.

Improved Roof Drainage: Protect Your Home

Full eavestroughs or clogged troughs can cause water to flow under the roof shingles that may cause leaks. Leaking surfaces provide a mold growth environment within your walls and in the attic, a perfect place for mold spores to breed and for allergens to live. Clean eavestroughs to promote proper drainage help to reduce chances of leaks and consequently the spread of indoor mold which is stated by National Roofing Contractors Association.

Peace of Mind: A Breath of Fresh Air

While it’s not directly related to allergies, knowing that your eavestroughs are clear of debris and functioning efficiently can greatly contribute to overall satisfaction within your home. This can also help in combating indoor air pollution, especially for those with weakened immunity or allergy problems.

Additionally, eavestrough cleaning eliminates the opportunity for mold growth and controls allergens around potential entry points of your ventilation system (such as soffits and vents). This improvement in indoor air quality can make a significant positive difference in allergy symptoms and other respiratory conditions for everyone in the house, whether they have allergies or not.

Additional Considerations

Eavestrough cleaning will certainly assist in decreasing possible allergens close to the house, but it needs to be pointed out that it is just one aspect of that particular situation. For those with severe allergies, further interventions like air filtration and specific allergen control activities may be required. If you suspect there is mold inside your home, it is important to consult with a professional mold remediation specialist.

Calgary’s unique weather patterns bring additional considerations:

Chinook Winds: Calgary is notorious for its sharp and extreme temperature fluctuations, particularly during events called Chinook winds. These warm, humid gales can cause a sudden melting of accumulated snow on roofs, leading to a buildup of water that may overwhelm a clogged eavestrough. This overflow creates an environment ideal for mold growth and increases the likelihood of leaks, both of which can cause significant damage. These occurrences may be due to heavy rainfall or the accumulation of melted snow, and keeping the eavestroughs clean ensures they have the necessary drainage capacity to handle these bursts.

Dry Summers: Although it rains throughout the year in Calgary, summer is somewhat dry. This results in high concentrations of dust and pollen in the air. Rainwater can carry dust and pollen, and clogged eavestroughs mean that instead of the water flowing away, it pools near the air vents of your house. Dust is another allergen that accumulates over time, and regular eavestrough cleaning helps remove these allergens before they have a chance to enter your home.

A man cleaning his eavestrough.
Is it time to clean up your eavestrough?

Conclusion

You probably do not think of eavestrough cleaning as an essential part of managing indoor allergies, but it significantly affects home health. Besides preventing water damage, maintaining clean eavestroughs reduces the chances of mold, mildew, and other airborne allergens that can be a nightmare for those with allergies.

So, the next time you climb that high ladder, remember you’re not just cleaning—you’re boosting your home’s air quality and creating a healthier living space. And if tackling those gutters sounds like a daunting task, don’t worry! Contact us at Shine Above. We’re thrilled to help with your gutter cleaning in Calgary and make your home a safer place.

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