They say April showers
bring May flowers, but heavy spring storms can also bring damage to your home’s
roof. If your storm gutters are dirty or clogged with debris, accumulated
rainfall can lead to leaks and larger structural issues that may be pricey to repair.
So while cleaning the gutters may not be high on your to-do list, remember that
taking precautions now could save you a lot of time and money down the road.
Here are a few unwanted consequences of having clogged gutters during the rainy
season.
1. Leaky Roof
If
you’re not checking your gutters regularly, the first sign of an issue may be
water dripping from your ceiling. When gutters are clogged with leaves, dirt,
and other debris, rainwater is not able to drain properly. This leads to water
pooling in unwanted areas of your roof, and eventually to a leak. With regular
rainfall in the spring, these leaks are bound to worsen and multiply if clogged
gutters are not cleared.
2. Mold and Water Damage
Left unattended, standing water will lead to mold
and wet, rotting wood in your roof, attic, and even the walls of your home. Not
only is mold unsightly and bad for your health, it can also be very expensive
to get rid of if not caught early.
3. Damage to the Foundation
When
working properly, clear gutters carry water away from your home through a
downspout. However, clogged gutters allow water to spill down the walls of your
home and pool around the foundation, which can cause erosion, cracks, and
settling. Because it is the most important part of your home’s structure, a
damaged foundation can compromise the entire house.
4. Insect Infestations
Standing
water can have so many consequences for your home, one of which is attracting
unwanted pests. Pools of water make ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes while
accumulated mud and wet leaves allow bees and wasps to build nests.
5. Decreased Roof Longevity
Most
homeowners expect their new roof to last somewhere between 15 to 30 years.
However, pooling water caused by clogged gutters can significantly shorten that
lifespan. If you want to maintain the value of your home and extend the life of
your roof, simply cleaning out your gutters can be an excellent way to prevent
expensive repairs.
Leaks and structural
damage caused by dirty gutters can be very pricey to fix. Luckily, they are
also easy to prevent. Need help clearing the debris from your gutters? The
professionals at Final Touch Construction and Remodeling
have the tools to get the job done right.
