Keeping your gutters clean does more than just prolonging the life of the system. It helps prevent clogs that can cause water to back up to the roof and overflow to your siding. Another benefit of having a clean and efficient gutter system is that you can avoid pests and protect your family against certain diseases.
Read on to learn more about the dangers of stagnant gutter water and Legionella bacteria.
What is Legionella Pneumophila?
In the 70s Legionella Pneumophila made hundreds of people in Philadelphia suffer. It wasn’t until later that experts discovered that the said bacteria was the reason people are getting sick. It causes a certain type of pneumonia.
The bacteria causes Legionnaires’ disease, a condition that results from complex water systems, such as gutters. While healthy individuals usually recover from it, older people and those with compromised immune systems are more likely to experience serious symptoms.
Legionnaires’ disease is usually characterized by cough, fever, and aches. It can take a few days before the symptoms start to show up, but they are impossible to ignore. A person who experiences the symptoms of the disease would need to see a doctor.
How Do You Avoid It?
The easiest and best way to avoid Legionnares’ disease is to keep your gutters clean. You can also invest in a quality gutter protection system to minimize the debris in your gutter system. With Gutter Helmet®, you won’t have to clean your gutters as much, helping prevent clogs and water damage in your home.
For quality gutter protection systems, choose Gutter Helmet® of Cookeville. Call us at (800) 824-3772 or fill out our online contact form to get a free quote. We serve clients in Cookeville, Tennessee, and the nearby communities.