Let’s face it – cleaning out the gutters is not really a task many homeowners look forward to, but putting it off or skipping it altogether is never a good idea. The main purpose of a gutter system is to protect your home from serious water damage by collecting runoff water from your roof and channeling it away from the foundation.
If the gutters aren’t checked and cleared of debris, it can come back to haunt you – causing some scary damage to your home.
How to Tell if Your Gutters are Functioning Properly
You can tell if your gutters are clogged with debris if you notice a build-up of sticks and leaves poking out. You’ll also notice less water draining from the downspout.
The most reliable and fastest way to tell if your gutters are in need of cleaning is by bringing in professionals. The Priority Restoration Team will assess whether there is damage caused by clogged gutters and let you know if you’re in need of gutter cleaning services to prevent any further damage.
Damage That Can be Caused by Clogged Gutters
So, what’s the worst that can happen if you don’t clean out your gutters?
Roof Damage
If your gutters are clogged with debris, they will fill with standing water. This water can then come into contact with your roofing shingles which will cause them to deteriorate faster than normal. The water can also penetrate to the underlying decking, causing it to rot. A rotten roof — even just along the edges that come in contact with your gutters — can result in water inside your house.
Foundation damage
Properly functioning gutters will direct rainwater through downspouts to keep it away from your home. However, when gutters become clogged, water can overflow and accumulate around the base of your home. This can soften the ground around your foundation, causing shifts and cracks. Additionally, water can seep through your foundation walls, resulting in a damp and unsanitary basement or crawlspace.
Mold and mildew growth
All that wet mass of decomposing leaves and debris can invite the growth of mold and mildew. This not only looks unsightly but can also pose serious health risks. If it enters your home, it can be extremely costly to deal with.
Ice Dams
Standing water is bad enough, but it gets worse when temperatures drop and that water freezes. As the ice melts and refreezes over time, it can create ice dams – heavy packs of ice hanging from your gutters. These dams can pull the gutters away from your house or cause leaks in your roof. While clean gutters won’t fully prevent ice dams in snowy areas, they can definitely help lessen the risk.
If you’re looking for some tips on how to protect your home from snow and ice damage, check out our blog post, The Effects Of Snow On Your Colorado Roof.
How to Prevent Damage to Your Gutters
There are a few ways you can prevent leaks and other damage by keeping your gutters well maintained. One way is for you to clean out any debris that has built up yourself. It’s ideal to clean your gutters twice a year – early Fall and early Spring being the best times.
Another way to prevent damage is by keeping any trees you have around your house trimmed to reduce the amount of debris like leaves and sticks.
Finally, the best measure you can take is to schedule a professional gutter inspection to find out if you’re in need of any repairs. Schedule a free assessment with us to get started.