Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your gutter system, avoid water damage on your home’s exterior, and protect your family’s health. Another thing that helps is cleaning gutters with gutter guards. Stagnant gutter water is among the last things you want in your home as it can increase the risk of Legionnaires’ disease.
Continue reading to learn more about the risk of stagnant gutter water.
What Is Legionella Pneumophila?
Legionella Pneumophila is a bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease. It is a condition caused by complex water systems, such as gutters. While healthy individuals usually recover from the disease, older people and ones with compromised immune systems are more prone to it.
In 1976, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found what caused the attendees of the American Legion Convention in Philadelphia to become ill. The organization discovered that hundreds became sick because of Legionella Pneumophila, which causes a certain type of pneumonia.
The common symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include aches, cough, and fever. It can take a few days for someone to notice their symptoms but they are not easy to ignore. See your doctor immediately if you develop these symptoms.
How Do You Reduce the Risk of Legionnaires’ Disease?
The easiest way to keep water from settling in your gutters is to keep it clean. With regular cleaning, your gutters are less likely to get clogged with debris. This task does not only prevent damage to your roof, siding, foundation, and landscaping but also helps in keeping your household healthy. It also pays to invest in a high-quality gutter system because it makes maintenance easier. You won’t need to worry about constantly cleaning gutters with gutter guards.
Turn to Gutter Helmet® Systems of Alabama for your gutter protection needs. Call us at (866) 598-7525 or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.
