What happens if your gutters are clogged? The problems can start to add up more quickly than you may expect. Over time, clogged gutters can cause extensive and costly damage to your home, from the roof to the foundation. Understanding the issues caused by clogged gutters (and how to prevent them) is one step you can take to keep your home protected.
Ramifications of Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters prevent your gutter system from doing its job: collecting rainwater and directing it away from your home or building’s foundation. It doesn’t take long for the problems to start adding up. What happens if your gutters are clogged? More than you might expect.
- Foundation Damage: Overflowing gutters can pool water around your home’s foundation, leading to cracks, instability, or flooding in the basement.
- Roof Damage: Water trapped in clogged gutters can seep under shingles, causing leaks and rotting the roof’s structure.
- Rotting Wood: Wooden fascia boards, soffits, and other nearby structures can decay when exposed to constant moisture.
- Bugs and Pests: Stagnant water and debris in gutters attract mosquitoes, ants, rodents, and other unwanted pests.
- Mold or Flooding in the Basement: Excess moisture can seep into your basement, promoting mold growth and creating health hazards.
- Interior Wall and Ceiling Damage: Persistent leaks from clogged gutters can cause staining, warping, and structural damage to your home’s interior.
How to Tell If Your Gutters Are Clogged
- Overflowing Water: If you’re noticing water pouring over the sides of your gutters during a storm, that’s a clear sign that they’re clogged and unable to drain properly.
- Stains on Siding: Overflowing water can leave unsightly streaks and stains on your home’s exterior walls. Streaks and stains are more than just a cosmetic issue: they can indicate a more serious problem and are often one of the clearest indications that you have a gutter clog.
- Sagging or Bowed Gutters: Clogged gutters aren’t able to efficiently drain rainwater, causing water to pool. When water pools in your gutters, it adds extra weight that your gutters aren’t designed to hold. Over time, this strain can cause your gutters to sag, bow, or pull away from your house.
- Plant Growth: The accumulation of dirt and debris creates a fertile ground for plants. If you spot greenery sprouting from your gutters, there’s a good chance that your gutters are clogged or holding standing water.
- No Water Coming Through Downspouts: If you notice that water isn’t coming through your downspouts during a rainstorm, the issue may be a gutter clog. Gutter clogs can cause blockages in the downspouts, preventing water from exiting the gutter system.
How to Prevent Clogged Gutters
Cleaning and Maintenance
If you want to avoid gutter clogs, prevention is key. Debris will inevitably find its way into your gutters, so the best way to stop your gutters from clogging is to inspect and clean them at least twice a year. As a rule of thumb, aim to have a full inspection and cleaning at the end of the spring and the end of the fall. And if you live in a heavily wooded area or a region that experiences frequent storms, you may need to clean them more often.
Adding Gutter Guards
If you experience frequent gutter clogs or want to reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning your gutters, gutter guards may help. Gutter guards are installed on top of existing gutters, allowing rainwater to reach the gutters while keeping debris out. Remember, you still need to have your gutters clean even if you use a gutter guard, but they can help reduce the frequency of those cleanings.
Installing the Right Gutter Type and Size
If you’re experiencing persistent clogs, you may need larger gutters. Wider gutters are more expensive, but they are also less likely to overflow or clog. For homes with large, steep roofs or that are located in areas with heavy downpours, having a gutter system that’s up to the task is crucial to keeping your gutters functioning properly.
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So, what happens if your gutters are clogged? Problems can start to add up quickly so it’s important to take action right away.
If you live in southern Missouri and have questions about repairing or replacing your gutter system, Taylor-Made Roofing can help. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!