# The Fall Chore You Skip Could Cost You Thousands Cleaning your gutters is key to protecting your home's foundation. - **Source:** [Trendir](https://brifing.si/source/fa0937ee-5bfe-4107-bbbb-30be072b2212) - **Published:** 2026-08-06 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1e871187-f8fa-41d1-83cd-b4164d0c639a ## The Small Fall Chore You Skip Could Lead to Big Problems Every fall, millions of homeowners skip a simple chore that takes just one afternoon. This task is crucial for protecting your home's foundation. Neglecting gutter cleaning can lead to water damage at the base of your house. This issue often surfaces months or even years later. If your home has a basement, skipping this chore can result in costly repairs. ## Homeowners Often Neglect Gutter Cleaning According to a 2025 LeafFilter survey, 41% of American homeowners check their gutters only once or twice a year. Another 27% wait until a visible problem arises. More than a quarter of homes enter winter with a hidden issue. This neglect is often due to the chore seeming insignificant. However, this small task can lead to significant expenses. ## Insurance Companies Penalize Maintenance Neglect When water damage occurs, standard homeowner insurance policies often don't cover it. Insurers may deny claims for what they call 'gradual neglect.' Skipping routine tasks like gutter cleaning can leave homeowners with hefty repair bills. Proper maintenance is essential to avoid these costly outcomes. ## How Water Damages Your Foundation Every rainstorm affects the soil around your home's foundation. If water isn't directed properly, it flows off the roof and pools at the base of the house. This pooling makes the soil heavier, exerting pressure on the foundation walls. This pressure can widen small cracks, allowing water to seep in. Over time, this leads to foundation damage and moisture in your walls. ## Mold Can Spread Rapidly The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that mold can begin growing on wet surfaces within 24 to 48 hours. Basements, often unchecked for days, can become breeding grounds for mold. This issue can lead to both health problems and costly repairs for homeowners. ## Foundation Repair Costs Are High Neglecting gutter cleaning can result in a wet basement, a shifting foundation, and mold growth. Repair costs for these issues can be substantial. Basement waterproofing ranges from $3,000 to $10,000, foundation crack repair from $5,000 to $25,000, and mold cleanup from $500 to $6,000. These expenses can quickly add up. ## Steps for Proper Gutter Cleaning To clean your gutters, start by placing the ladder on level ground and working with a helper. Begin at the low end of the gutter near the downspout, pushing debris toward the exit. Use gloves to remove wet leaves and grime, placing them in a bucket. Rinse the gutter with water to ensure it's clear. Performing this task before the first freeze is crucial. ## Prevent Big Problems with a Small Chore Cleaning your gutters is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your home's foundation. By completing this small task, you can avoid significant expenses and health issues. Taking the time to clean your gutters in the fall is a critical step in maintaining your home's long-term health. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.trendir.com/warning-one-thing-you-skip-this-fall-could-flood-your-basement-and-crack-your-foundation/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._