Gutter cleaning is a strenuous task. The inconveniences associated with it deter many people from doing the work. Sadly, they will pay the price for neglecting their gutters. A clogged gutter may seem like a trivial issue, but it can cause extensive damage to your home. A blockage prevents water from adequately diverting away from the building. As a result, the accumulated water spills over the side of the gutters, causing several problems to your home. The cost of repairing the damages may even run into thousands of dollars.
The following issues are likely to arise if you neglect cleaning your gutters…
1. Roof Damage
Clogged gutters inhibit the flow of rainwater, causing it to overflow or seep into the roof. Any standing water will soften shingles and lead to their deterioration. The weight of the water can also rip the gutters, thus damaging your roof. Eventually, you may have to replace the roof.
2. Water Damage
Standing water resulting from blocked gutters can cause water to get into your home. When it runs down the sides of the building, it damages the walls, ceilings, siding and window frames. The water may even find its way under the flooring. However, you may not notice these damages until they become significant. Regular roof inspection would have prevented such issues.
3. Mold
Water seeping into your home creates a favorable, humid environment for mold to thrive. The fungi can rapidly spread in your home. Also, mold can grow on the leaves that clog your gutters. The moisture in the decomposed leaves favors their growth.
Mold can lead to serious health problems. Unfortunately, it is costly and challenging to get rid of these fungi if they enter your home.
4. Pests
Rotten leaves in clogged gutters are rich in nutrients, thus attracting pests and birds. These animals are likely to cause more damage while searching for food in the dirty gutters. If left unattended for long, the pests inhabiting the gutters may enter your home. Some of these critters can even cause health risks to your family members.
5. Structural Damage
Clogged gutters fail to channel water away from houses. The standing water that results after rains overflows and can seep into the roof and walls of your home. Rotten leaves and debris in the gutters trap water that seeps into your home. Leaks can create cracks that expand over time as more water passes through them. Eventually, the seeping water may compromise the stability of your building’s foundation. The accumulated water around the foundation may lead to the development of further cracks. Besides, it can damage tiles and cause wood that comes in contact with it to rot. Water from the clogged gutters that flows down the sides of your home can also flood your basement. The fascia boards that hold the gutters are made of wood. Water overflowing from the clogged gutters can cause them to rot. It can also damage wood siding as water runs down the sides of your building.
6. Destroys The Landscape
Water overflowing from clogged gutters can damage your landscaping during heavy rain. It can erode your mulch and damage your flowers or shrubs. Due to poor drainage resulting from clogged gutters, the overflowing water may also pool up in your driveway. It can lead to the growth of mold on the driveway. The pool of water is likely to freeze during winter, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
7. Lowers The Value Of Your Home
Dirty gutters reduce the worth of your home. Leakages can leave unsightly stains on the ceilings and walls of the building. Furthermore, the moisture trapped in leaves in the gutters produces a moldy smell that you may even perceive around your home.
The debris and water in clogged gutters provides a damp environment for algae and moss to thrive. These organisms not only make your roof look filthy, but they also damage other parts of the roof. Also, the accumulated water in the blocked gutters can become frozen in areas that experience temperatures below freezing point. The weight of the ice can cause the gutters to pull away from the roof. Besides, water that overflows from the clogged gutters onto your sidewalks, driveway or deck can freeze, making these areas slippery. The moisture can also damage the decking material.
Warning Signs Of Unclean Gutters
Routine gutter cleaning aids roof protection. Gutters become more susceptible to damage as they get older. A regular roof inspection can help you determine when to clean or replace your gutters. Some signs that you might have unclean gutters include overflowing water, sagging gutters, stained siding, the presence of pests and other animals and plants growing out of the gutters or roof.
Conclusion
Try to clean your gutters each season to avoid the consequences of clogged gutters. A regular roof inspection can help you determine when the channels need cleaning. You can hire professional gutter cleaners to clean and repair your gutters. Proper gutter maintenance adds to the aesthetic value of your home and also protects the roof. Need help with your gutters or roof? Call Born Carpentry of Andover, MN, at 612-747-8003.
