Clean Your Gutters! Here’s Why
Your gutters are an important part of your roofing system. They benefit your home in many ways and when they’re not clean, your home can sustain damage from your roof to your foundation. Here are 10 problems that can result from clogged and malfunctioning gutters.
#1 – Flooded Basements
When your gutters are clogged and overflow, water runs down the side of your home and can eventually enter your basement. One of the best ways to avoid a flooded basement is with an effective well-maintained gutter system.
#2 – Foundation Issues
Whether you have a small, unfinished crawl space, or a totally finished basement, overflowing gutters can damage your home’s foundation. If the sand, dirt or clay under your home gets too wet, your foundation may shift, causing cracks and buckling.
#3 – Driveway Destruction
Water under your driveway can cause the same issues as water under your foundation or in your crawlspace. Cracks, holes and shifting occur, which can cause damage to your vehicles and creates a tripping hazard.
#4 – Destroyed Landscaping
During a heavy rain, water overflows clogged gutters and runs over your landscaping. Not only can water wash away your mulch, it can severely damage flower beds, shrubs and trees.
#5 – Ice
When gutters are clogged and temperatures drop below freezing, ice causes issues in several ways. Clogged gutters become heavy and can pull away from your home. If water has run over your gutters onto your deck, driveway or sidewalks, it can freeze and cause a slip hazard. Gutters that don’t drain can also cause ice damming and subsequent roof damage.
#6 – Pests
Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitos and other pests. Rodents may find the water, and critters that eat mosquitos will be drawn to your home. None of which are ideal situations.
#7 – Water Damage
When water runs over your gutters and down the sides of your home, it will eventually find its way into your home. You may not notice the damage water is causing behind your siding, in your window frames or under your flooring until significant harm is done.
#8 – Damaged Soffits & Fascia
The weight of standing water in your gutters, combined with the weight of the debris clogging your gutters, can damage your soffits and fascia. Cracks allow water into your home, which is another way your home can sustain water damage.
#9 – Algae & Moss
Algae and moss only grow in damp places. When your gutters contain debris and water, they become a great spot for algae and moss – which not only looks bad but can cause damage to your roofing system.
#10 – Roof Damage
There are many ways standing water can cause roof damage. First, the shingles that come in contact with water in your clogged gutters will deteriorate sooner than the rest of your roof. Once those shingles become saturated, the roof deck becomes damaged. If the damage goes undetected, your insulation gets wet and eventually water gets into your home. You end up with water damage in your ceilings and walls.
Source: Homeservice Club