Your gutters help direct rainwater away from your home so it doesn’t cause any damage, but when gutters become clogged with debris, they may no longer drain. The water may pool in the gutters until it eventually overflows, which can cause many problems all around your home.
If you haven’t cleaned or maintained your gutters in a long time, check out these four common complications from clogged gutters.
1. Water Damage to the Roof
Water damage can happen in any climate because excess water on and around the roof can always lead to this issue. The full gutters or the debris may block the water, which pools on the roof. This increases the risk of water causing rot and deterioration. With no place to drain properly, some water may even be forced into the siding of your home.
Additionally, if you live in an area that experiences lots of rain and snow, there’s another risk with not cleaning your gutters. If the water in the clogged gutters freezes, snow may begin to collect, which creates a dam. This prevents any melted snow or water from sliding off the roof. Not only does this increase the risk of water damage, but it increases the pressure on your roof.
2. Slippery Sidewalk or Driveway
If water does spill over the gutters, it may land on your walkway or driveway, and this can increase the risk of slips. For starters, water alone is slippery, so if a lot of water pools on the sidewalk, people are more likely to fall. Even if there isn’t much water, however, it can promote moss growth, which increases the risk of slipping on your property.
Again, if you live in an area that snows and sees freezing temperatures, the spilled water may freeze. This can become a major danger, and depending on where you live, you may be legally required to remove the ice and snow. Therefore, if someone does fall, you may be responsible for their injuries.
3. Flooded Foliage
Clogged gutters can even ruin your yard. When gutters spill over, they can spill a lot of water. This water may pool in your yard, drowning your plants, lawn, and other landscaping. If your soil contains a lot of clay, it may take a long time for the water to seep into the ground, which prolongs the damage.
Another problem you may notice is erosion. Again, this may be more common if you have a lot of clay in your soil. Instead of being absorbed, the water will flow downhill (and hopefully away from your home). As the water travels, however, it takes pieces of soil, eroding your yard and ruining your curb appeal. This can be a big problem if you don’t have much foliage or ground covering.
4. Damage to the Foundation
Another problem with standing water from spilled gutters is their location: right next to your foundation. The longer the water sits, the more likely it can cause damage to your foundation, including cracks and chips. If your yard slopes toward your house, you may experience even more pooling water.
The longer the water remains, the higher the chance of flooding inside your basement or crawlspace. Even if the water doesn’t cause too much damage, depending on the location of the room (above or below ground), too much standing water may simply spill right into your home.
Clogged gutters aren’t just a nuisance. They can lead to damage on different parts of your home, including the roof and foundation. If you have been neglecting your gutters, it’s time to take action. Contact us at Amenity Roofing, Siding & Gutters LLC to learn more about our gutter services.
