When was the last time you cleaned the gutters running across your roof? Can’t remember? You may be putting your home at risk of significant structural damage. Gutters exist to direct the water flow from your roof. Clogs mean they can’t do that job. Read on to learn more about how clogged gutters damage your home.
Why Do You Need To Clean Your Gutters?
Your property’s gutter system ensures proper water drainage away from the roof first, then away from the building.
However, debris from nearby trees, pests, birds, or wind deposits can clog the gutters over time, making it harder for water to flow into your downspout and away from your home.
As a result, water will escape through the sides of the gutters or find a way into your roof system.
You need to clean your gutters occasionally to remove all impediments that may stop water from safely flowing away during rains and snowstorms.
What Are the Signs of Clogged Gutters?
Some of the top signs of clogs in your gutter system include:
Pests and Insect Infestation
Seeing birds and squirrels playing around your gutters is one of the surest signs of debris up there. These pests won’t hang around spots without organic matter they can use as food or for constructing a nest.
Water Stains Inside and Outside
Can you see water stains inside your home or on your exterior walls and siding? It’s one of the biggest signs of water escaping your gutter from the sides.
Sagged and Damaged Gutters
Rain gutters sag under the weight of accumulated debris. If you spot your gutters looking heavy on one side or pulling away from your roof, that’s a cue to clean your gutters.
Vegetation Growth in the Gutters
Excessive organic matter in your gutters can encourage the growth of grasses and small plants. A gutter system that can support plant life is one that requires cleaning.
Clogged Gutter Damage Explained
What happens if you don’t clean your gutters? Can clogged gutters cause ceiling leaks?
Below are some of the things you can expect if you ignore clogged gutters for too long:
Foundation Damage
When water can no longer drain away from your roof safely, it will escape through other channels, usually down the sides of the gutters. That errant stream of water from a blocked gutter will damage your foundation over time, causing cracks that can bring down the entire structure.
Wood Decay
Your roof’s support system and the fascia board holding your gutters almost certainly consist of wood. A clogged gutter will damage your roof system by making those wooden components weaker and susceptible to fungal growth.
Damage to Landscaping
Clogged gutters are your picturesque landscape’s worst enemies. The runoff can destroy your garden, wash away topsoil, and introduce mud and sand to your beautiful koi pond or swimming pool.
Insect Infestation
Mosquitoes love standing water. Clogged gutters featuring organic material and standing water give mosquito larvae the perfect environment to thrive. Wood rot due to water damage from gutters also makes your property attractive to termites, carpenter ants, and their close relatives.
Flooded Basements
Water pooling around your walls due to clogged gutters isn’t just a problem for your foundation. It can lead to water leaks into your basement. The increased humidity could render the space unusable.
Damage to Roof and Walls
Uncontrolled water flow into your home can damage your roof underlayment and drywall, leaving you with mold growth, roof rot, and other forms of costly damage.
Possible Illness
Mosquitoes, mold, and mildew can all cause illnesses for the occupants of a property with clogged gutters.
Ice Dams
Ice damming increases the risk of water damage. Clogs in the gutters make it easier for water to freeze on your roof. When the ice does melt, the excess water won’t have anywhere to go, increasing the risk of roof leaks.
How To Clean Clogged Gutters
You can clean clogged gutters by the following methods:
DIY
If you have access to a ladder, you can clear out the debris from the gutters and flush the system with your gardening hose.
Hiring a Professional Gutter Cleaner
With professional gutter cleaners, you won’t need to put yourself at risk of falling off a ladder. You can also rest knowing that your gutters are squeaky clean.
Need Help With Gutter Cleaning? Contact the Evergreen Team!
Don’t let clogged gutters damage your property!
Contact Evergreen Window Cleaning today to take advantage of our gutter cleaning services.
