The Dangers of Clogged Gutters

The Dangers of Clogged Gutters

When it comes to gutter problems for homeowners, out of sight is really out of mind. While gutters may seem forgettable and minor, they actually play an essential role in protecting your home’s exterior and even safeguarding the structural integrity of your entire property. One of the most common problems with gutters is that they can clog, causing a great deal of other issues. Unprotected gutters will routinely clog with dirt, leaves, and debris. Clean your gutters regularly, or hire a local gutter cleaning company to help you out.

Know the Dangers

While clogged gutters are a burden, many homeowners never even think that costly damage is a real possibility. That’s why it’s essential for homeowners to understand why it’s important to maintain their gutters! In this blog, we are going to review some of the things you are putting at risk when living with clogged gutters.

Flooding

While flooding may not seem like a huge deal, its effect can certainly accumulate. To start, the constant presence of excess water can wreck your lawn. When excess water begins spilling onto the lawn and flowerbeds, it can really ruin the appeal of your landscape. Additionally, when water begins accumulating around your home, it puts your foundation at risk. Erosion weakens your home’s foundation by slowly removing layer by layer of the foundation until it cracks and begins to leak. Don’t risk the integrity of your home by allowing water to back up and erode your foundation. A clean gutter system will ensure that rainwater flows away from your home, thereby protecting your foundation and your yard from water damage.

Damaged Gutters

When gutters are filled with heavy debris and water, the added weight can cause cumulative damage to your gutters, eventually causing them to split and break away from your home. This can not only have a negative effect on your home’s curb appeal but it also enables the water from the broken gutter sections to collect around the foundation.

Mold Growth

A clogged gutter system can also cause rainwater to drain down your siding, leaving unsightly mold and mildew stains on your home. Not only does it put a damper on your curb appeal, but it also poses a health hazard to your home’s occupants and guests. Constant exposure to mold spores can trigger various ailments, ranging from itchy and watery eyes to coughing and wheezing. In some cases, it can even lead to skin irritation.

Roofing Damage

Clogged or backed-up gutters filled with debris can allow rainwater to accumulate and cause your roof to rust and leak over time. Once this kind of water damage occurs, the roof supports are put at risk, as wood may weaken and result in a complete roof collapse. Additionally, when water damage to your roof occurs, water can seep right into your attic and wreak havoc on the wood. Wooden siding is especially susceptible to damage, as it is susceptible to rotting as well. Dependable gutters can do much to prevent this.

The Bottom Line

Any leaves or debris in your gutters will eventually accumulate and create a clog, which will cause the gutter system to significantly impede the flow of rainwater away from the home. In order to prevent these damages from occurring, it is important that you not only have quality gutters, but also that you regularly clean and maintain them.

Because cleaning your gutters out is not how you want to spend your weekend, you should instead rely on professional gutter cleaning services.

At L&J Gutters, we specialize in gutter manufacturing, installation, and repair. We also offer complete gutter cleaning services — the perfect solution to prevent clogged gutters! To learn more about our services or to request an estimate, contact our experts today! We provide service for those in Freeport, Santa Rosa Beach, Destin, and Defuniak Springs, as well as Walton, Okaloosa, and Bay Counties