Cleaning gutters is a chore that might not be high on the list of pleasant things to do, but foregoing it can cause a lot of problems. Not only does neglect to clean your gutters cost you big money in the long run, but it can also affect almost every part of your home.
So without further ado, here are three problems that clogged gutters can cause you:
Mold and Mildew
Our article on ‘Clogged Gutters? Here Are 7 Tell-Tale Signs Your Gutters Need Cleaning’ notes that if water starts to flow over, rather than through your gutters, then they are definitely clogged up. This leads to water cascading over parts of your home that aren’t built to be exposed to water, and in turn, it can lead to mold and mildew. HomeServe Living suggests that mold can form from overflowing gutters, which can then feed on materials like dust, carpets, and wood. Not only is it unsightly and smelly, but mold also poses a genuine health hazard as it can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
Pests Everywhere
Pest infestation is something that nobody wants — but clogged gutters can actually cause it. There are many types of insects that can thrive in stagnant water, such as mosquitoes. However, this decaying environment caused by a clogged drainage system can also attract carpenter ants, termites, and other pests that destroy wood. In other words, the same conditions that can breed annoying mosquitoes can also breed significant damage to your property.
Superficial and Structural Roof Damage
If left unchecked, WyDaily notes that clogged gutters can cause some serious structural damage to your roof, as it could be at risk of either superficial or structural damage. Superficial damage can occur and remove shingles and damaged chimneys. Built-up moisture in cold temperatures can even destroy your gutters, leading to replacements. However, the worst-case scenario is that excess water can seep through your roof, which can lead to wood rot and eventually, mold and mildew.
Foundation Damage
Clogged gutters can also cause damage to your foundation. If the sand, dirt, or clay underneath your home gets too wet, erosion will weaken your home, and your foundation could potentially shift and cause cracks or buckling. Water can then spill over and down the sides of the house and into the foundation, causing even further water damage and it can lead to more cracks.
Damaged Soffits and Fascia
Your soffits and fascia are the closest things to your gutter. When your gutters get clogged, water gets collected and with nowhere to go, it will eventually eat away at your soffits and fascias. Additionally, the Earth Awards outlines that the weight of standing water on your gutters could put a strain on the gutters and fascia, which could then lead to them collapsing. Replacing it all is a very expensive job.
The Bottom Line
Any debris that gets into your gutter can cause some serious problems that will lead to costly renovations. My Window Washing offers professional gutter cleaning services so you don’t have to let these issues affect your home. If you suspect that you have a clogged gutter, don′t wait – call us today for a pro gutter cleaning service.