Gutters are one of those things that many homeowners don’t think much about. However, there’s a good chance that you’ll regret ignoring them once you find out how damaging they can be to your home. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, overgrown gutters can lead to serious water damage issues, including mold growth and even structural damage. And while it seems like gutters are pretty easy to keep up with, most people neglect them because they’re too busy dealing with other household repairs.
Gutters are designed to channel water away from the house and into the downspout. Overflow occurs when too much water flows over the edge of the gutter and onto the ground below. Gutters are usually made of metal or plastic, depending on where you live. When gutters overflow, it leads to problems like leaks, sagging, and broken parts. If you wait too long to repair or replace damaged gutters, you could end up paying thousands of dollars in repairs. Let’s take a look at the damage caused by overflowing gutters.
1. Roof Damage
If your gutters aren’t properly draining away rainwater, it can accumulate around your house and eventually leak into your attic space. This could result in damaged shingles, rotting wood, and even rot in the rafters above your living spaces.
2. Water Damage
When water leaks into your ceiling, walls, or floors, it can weaken the structure of your home. You could end up paying thousands of dollars to repair the damage.
3. Mold Growth
Mold grows quickly in damp areas, especially in warm temperatures. If your gutters are leaking, you could end up with a nasty amount of mold growing inside your home.
4. Health Issues
If your gutter system isn’t working well, it could let harmful bacteria enter your home. Bacteria can make you sick, and it might even trigger asthma attacks.
5. Foundation Damage
As water pools at the base your home, you’re also putting yourself at risk of foundation damage. Concrete absorbs water like a sponge. When this happens, the concrete begins to expand and contract, causing cracks in the foundation. These cracks allow moisture to seep into the walls, creating even more problems down the road.
6. Landscape Damage
Flooding from overflowing gutters can wreak havoc on your landscape. Pools of standing water are common during heavy rains, especially in low-lying areas where the soil is saturated. These areas are often located near foundations, walkways, and patios. Waterlogged soil makes it difficult for plants to absorb nutrients and grow, leading to brown patches and stunted growth.
7. Gutter Damage
This one may seem obvious – but overflowing gutters also damage the gutters themselves. They are made to take on rain, and they can’t withstand the weight of pine needles & rotting leaves. The longer you wait to clean out your gutters, the heavier the weight becomes on them. This will result in breakages in your gutter system.
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