The 5 Most Common Issues Caused by Clogged Gutters
Let's face it, nobody enjoys the tedious task of cleaning their gutters. Yet, ignoring this essential maintenance can lead to some serious consequences for your home. From water seeping into your basement to compromising your foundation's integrity, clogged gutters are a disaster waiting to happen. In this blog post, we will delve into the purpose of gutters, what they need to be properly maintained, and the five common problems caused by neglecting this crucial home maintenance task.
Why Do Gutters Exist?
Gutters play a vital role in safeguarding your home's structural integrity. Their primary function is to redirect rainwater away from your home, preventing it from accumulating around your foundation. Without gutters, rainwater would simply run off the roof, collect around your home, and inflict extensive damage on your foundation, basement, or crawl space. Over time, this can result in issues like mold, flooding, and even the jeopardy of your home's structural soundness.
Why do Gutters Need to be Cleaned:
Over time, gutters tend to become clogged with debris including leaves, twigs, dirt, and more. These obstructions can impede the flow of water, leading to overflowing gutters. Overflowing water can begin to infiltrate the soil around your home. Soil is highly absorbent, initially soaking up excess water. However, it will eventually pool when faced with heavy rainfall, causing harm to your home as water infiltrates your basement through foundation cracks and joints.
Five Common Problems Caused by Clogged Gutters:
1) Water Damage
When water infiltrates your home's foundation, it can lead to cracks, rot, and mold. If left untreated, this water damage can significantly weaken your foundation, jeopardizing your home's structural integrity.
2) Erosion
Soil erosion results from repeated water flow over the same area, washing away soil and causing your foundation to sink unevenly.
3) Foundation Cracks
As previously mentioned, water infiltration can lead to foundation expansion and contraction, exerting pressure and causing cracks. These cracks only worsen with time, ultimately weakening your foundation.
4) Pests
Clogged gutters create an ideal environment for pests such as mosquitos, rodents, and termites to thrive, posing a significant threat to your gutters, roof, and foundation.
5) Ice Dams
During the winter months, stagnant water in clogged gutters can freeze and create ice dams. These ice dams block water flow, causing water to back up onto your roof and eventually into your home. The weight of ice dams can also harm your gutters, roof, and foundation.
Don't Neglect Your Gutters:
Cleaning your gutters may not be the most enjoyable task, but it is essential for preserving your home and protecting it from water and foundation damage. So, grab your gloves and a ladder and get to unclogging those gutters! If you are interested in a clog-free gutter solution, don't hesitate to contact us for a free Gutter Shutter estimate!