POTENTIAL PROBLEMS CAUSED BY CLOGGED GUTTERS

9/15/2016 (Permalink)

As we are gearing up for the fall season, now is the time to check those gutters!

Gutters play a significant role in preventing water damage to homes. Their purpose is to channel rainwater to the downspouts and away from the home, protecting roofs, walls, and foundations of homes. To keep gutters working properly, it is important to make sure that gutters are cleaned regularly so that water can flow freely to the downspouts and away from the home.

Clogged gutters can cause many issues for a homeowner. Water that is blocked by the debris in gutters will find the path of least resistance when it tries to drain. This often means it will find its way into the walls and ceilings of the home causing interior damage.

In winter months, if water overflowing from the gutters pools around the foundation of the home, it can freeze with the colder temperatures. When it freezes, it expands. This can cause foundation cracks that then lead to flooded basements and crawl spaces. Also in the winter months, water that is blocked in clogged gutters can freeze and cause pressure on the roof. This can lead to damage to the roof and water leaking into the home.

The weight of the rain-soaked debris in gutters can also lead to damage. When the debris absorbs the water, it becomes extremely heavy and places a great amount of stress on the gutters and their brackets. This additional weight can cause the gutters to fall from the home which leads to costly repairs.

Water overflowing from the gutters can damage the paint and siding on a home. Additionally, if the water gets behind the siding and inside of a wall, the wood becomes wet and can rot. This can go unseen behind the siding until it is too late.

Obviously, failing to clean gutters regularly can be a very costly mistake! It is one of the most important tasks of a homeowner and, if done on a regular basis, can prevent many homeowner headaches!