Proactive home maintenance is key to preventing costly repairs later. So, when you are making that maintenance to-do list, don’t forget to look up. Clogged gutters can cause roof leaks and mold damage in your home. Learn more here about why cleaning gutters is essential to preventing roof leaks and other damage to your home.
Cleaning your home’s gutters may not be how you want to spend your free time, but left unfixed, a clogged gutter could have you spending a lot of time and a lot of money fixing the many more issues they caused. Here’s what happens when you have a blocked gutter.
1. Foundational damage
If rainwater doesn’t drain properly it may cause damage to your home’s foundation. Gutters that are clogged will not be able to direct the water away from the base of your house, and excess water may begin to compile there. This could lead to leaks in your basement and damage the structure of your house.
2. Roof leaks
Another place where rainwater could begin to compile is on your roof. If a clog in your gutters prevents water from being able to pass through, it will back up onto your roof until it becomes too heavy for your roof. If left unfixed, this cycle of water soaking your roof and drying up will eventually cause a leak in your attic.
A clog or an improperly installed gutter system can also prevent proper drainage of rainfall in your gutter system forcing it to seep into your home’s fascia which is the board that runs along the edge of the roof and is usually where gutters are attached. The fascia connects to your home’s rafters and trusses- two important components of your home’s roofing system you don’t want exposed to moisture. Exposure will comprise your home’s roofing system and may show up as water spots on your ceiling or even mold spots. Your clogged gutter over time can cause your home’s roofing system to weaken and rot before you even notice that stain on your ceiling or other signs that water has infiltrated your home.
Standing water in your gutters can be even more dangerous to your home’s health in the winter. Cold temperatures can freeze that water and create an ice dam. That ice dam can push moisture up under your roofing system loosening shingles and causing damage to your roof decking.
3. Mold and Mildew
If you’re noticing a bit of mildew on your basement ceiling or along the walls of your house, it may signify a clog in your gutters. Without proper drainage, rainwater will begin to collect in all sorts of unwanted places around your home, and this excess moisture is bound to lead to the buildup of mildew. Unclogging your gutters is a lot easier of a job than removing mold.
Contact Thompson Creek for a New Gutter System Today
Your home’s roof is its first line of defense against the elements. Your gutters should be another tool in that defense system. If clogged gutters are an issue you find yourself encountering frequently, it may be time for a new gutter system. Luckily, the Thompson Creek gutter system has a no-clog guarantee, eliminating the need for worry and hassle. Visit our website to find more information on why the Thompson Creek gutter system is right for you.