6 Serious Risks of Clogged Gutters

Gutters play a vital role in the overall health of your home by providing an effective way to drain rainwater. However, if gutters are not properly maintained and serviced they will become clogged with debris. Clogged gutters prevent water from properly draining and can create a handful of water-related problems for your home.

 

Here are 6 serious risks of clogged gutters:

 

1. Foundation Damage. Clogged gutters can lead to pools of water that build up near the home’s foundation. Water this close to the home is dangerous because it can penetrate the concrete foundation, causing cracks that will weaken the structure.

 

2. Basement Flooding. Pools of water not only damage the foundation, but can also lead to water leaking inside your home and cause a basement flood.

 

3. Landscape Erosion. Overflowing water can start to erode the ground near your home and affect your landscape and grass.

 

4. Siding Damage. Water that spills over the side of the gutter can seep behind siding and separate it from the home, creating significant water damage. Dark streaks on siding are one sign that dirty gutter water is overflowing and not properly draining.

 

5. Roof Damage. When water is no longer being properly drained away from the home it can leak under the roof, putting your ceilings and roof at risk.

 

6. Mold. Damp spaces are perfect breeding grounds for mold. Not only is it a health risk, but mold can also be very difficult and costly to remove.

 

By properly caring for your gutters you’ll be able to avoid dealing with these unwelcome and costly problems. So, when should your gutters be cleaned? Fall and spring are the most important times of year to schedule routine maintenance. Gutters will accumulate the most debris during these two seasons, from falling leaves in autumn to falling buds in the springtime.