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8 Reasons Why You Must Clean Your Gutters

No one is ever in the mood to climb up on to their roof and scoop rotting leaves and debris from their gutters. The problem is that when you don’t clean your gutters, they become clogged and can’t properly direct water away from your home.

While this may not be surprising, what may be unexpected is the long list of damages that clogged gutters can cause to your home, top to bottom. From water damage, mold, and even structural issues, there are numerous problems that are caused by simply not cleaning your gutters.

Here, we will review 8 damages the occur to your home when you don’t clean out clogged gutters.

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8 Problems Caused by Clogged Gutters

1. Roof Damages

When your gutter system is clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris, it causes water to become trapped and have nowhere to go. This water buildup can damage your roof in numerous ways. Roof shingles are only designed to shed water, so those which are in constant contact with water will begin to deteriorate and weaken the roof.

Over time, water can seep past these damaged shingles and penetrate the roof deck. Once water reaches this portion of your roof, it’s likely to cause it to leak.

2.  Soffit & Fascia Problems

Fasciae are the long boards that run along the lower edges of your roof. Soffits connect your roof overhang and the side of the building. These elements of your roof help provide air circulation in the attic, prevent water leaks, and stop pests from entering your home.

When your rain gutters are clogged with debris and water, the weight of it all can cause them to sag. Because of the sagging gutters, the soffit and fascia of your home can become damaged. Wood may begin to rot while soffit may completely pull away from your home. Over time, this will cause water to leak into your home.

3. Foundation Damages

One of the most surprising damages caused by clogged gutters is foundation problems. When water from the clogged gutters overflow directly to the ground below, it increases the groundwater levels around the foundation. Over time, this can cause the foundation to shift, crack, or buckle. This may not only allow water into your basement, but also threaten the structural integrity of your home.

4. Flooded Basements

Related to foundation damages, water from overflowing gutters can cause your basement to flood. As the groundwater levels rise around your home, more pressure is exerted on foundation walls. This pressure can cause water to seep through foundation walls or cracks. When you don’t clean your gutters and heavy rains come through, you can end up with a flooded basement.

5. Landscaping Damage

When water flows directly down the sides of your home because the gutters are clogged, it can cause landscaping elements to wash away. A constant flow of water can destroy flower beds, shrubbery, and cause a rut to form next to the foundation. If the problem isn’t resolved, the loss of landscaping and sloping from your home can cause foundation problems and basement flooding.

6. Insects & Pests

The stagnant water and decaying matter in clogged gutters are the perfect place for insects like mosquitos, flies, ants, or termites to breed. Larger pests, such as squirrels or birds may also be attracted to the gutters due to the high number of insects. While these critters may stay outside for the most part, when the weather cools, they may try to find their way into your home and cause an infestation.

7. Water Damage

We may have already covered water damage with roof leaks and flooded basements, but dirty gutters can cause even more types of water damage to your home. Water constantly flowing down the side of your home can cause it to get behind siding and penetrate the living spaces of your home. Similarly, water may damage window frames, breaking the seals that prevent water from leaking into your home.

Signs of water damage from gutters may include leaking windows, peeling or bubbling paint around windows or on walls, discoloration, or walls being soft and squishy to the touch. When you notice these signs in your home, you’ll likely need to call a company for help with water damage.

8. Mold

Did you know that mold can begin to grow in your home in as little as 48 hours after flooding or water damage? Since mold thrives on moisture, any sort of leak or even excessive moisture can cause mold to grow.

This means that when your gutters are clogged, they can cause a mold infestation in your home in addition to the numerous types of water damage they can cause. If water enters your home from the roof, foundation, and through the exterior walls and you don’t immediately take steps to address it – you’re likely to end up with a major mold problem on top of the rest.