How Is Your Gutter Health?
Gutters are something to not be forgotten about. In fact, did you know that the health of your gutters can be linked to the health of your body? While you may think that this is a crazy statement, many chronic illness’ are a result of environmental factors. Some of these factors such as mildew and mould, can be hidden and people may not even be aware that they are an issue until it is too late.
Why Is Mould Bad?
Mildew and mould can cause significant health risks to you and your family. In 2004, the Institute of Medicine linked upper respiratory tract symptoms (wheezing and coughing) in otherwise healthy individuals with the indoor exposure to mould. Mould exposure has been linked to many illnesses such as chronic sinusitis, persistent fatigue, brain fog, neurological changes including loss of memory and the inability to focus. It has also been linked to depression, rage and quick mood changes. Further studies have linked mould exposure in young children to the development of asthma. Thankfully, improved housing conditions for young children can reduce the morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies.
In 2009, the World Health Organisation released “guidelines for the protection of public health from health risks due to dampness, associated microbial growth and contamination of indoor spaces” – WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould.
Where Can I Find Mould?
Mould grows where there is an accumulation of moisture. This can be around leaks in roofs, walls, windows, pipes or where there has been flooding. Unfortunately mould can grow on almost anything. Most building materials around your home can provide a suitable environment for mould to grow. Paper, cardboard, wallpaper, dust, insulation materials, carpet, fabric, ceiling tiles, wood and fabric are all suitable materials for mould to grow.
How Can I Prevent Mould?
One of the ways you can prevent mould from growing in your walls or around your home is by checking your gutters. The aim of gutters is to move water away from your home or into a rain water tank. When gutters are not working efficiently or effectively water can not escape. This can lead to the trapped water seeping and damaging the surrounding roof, timbers and walls. The persistent and trapped water is a perfect breeding ground for mould. The seeping water can create a hefty repair bill especially if it causes structural or mould damages.
Gutters can fail or be less efficient as a result of numerous of factors. The main culprit of gutter failure is leaves. Not only is a build up of leaves in your gutter a fire hazard, they can also cause a backlog of water that can potentially lead to flooding and leaks. Regularly cleaning leaves from your gutters is a great way to ensure water can escape properly. It is also a great opportunity to check for any rusting spots or broken brackets.
If clearing leaves from your gutters is not for you, there are alternatives. Gutter guards is a micro-mesh that is installed on gutters which allows leaves to fall off and water to easily flow into gutters. At Exeter Plumbing we can expertly install gutter guards on your gutters. The gutter guard we recommend for durability and reliability is Blue Mountain Mesh.
Uneven guttering is also a cause of water not being able to escape efficiently. Stagnant water in your gutters may not only be a breeding ground for mould, it can also lead to an infestation of pests. Mosquitoes love stagnant water, and while their bite can be uncomfortable and irritating they also can carry diseases.
Contact Us
We are spending an increasing amount of time indoors. Ensuring your home environment is safe has never been so important. If you would like a gutter assessment contact our friendly team at Exeter Plumbing on 1300 155 944. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have and can help you with all of your gutter needs. From gutter installations, to repairs to down pipes, we can expertly fix any gutter issue you may have.
