How Clogged Gutters Damage Your Home

You may not think that your gutters matter much to your home, but they play a vital role in protecting it. Clogged gutters can lead to serious damage if not properly maintained. In this blog, we’ll discuss how clogged gutters can harm your home and why it’s essential to keep them clean. After reading, you’ll likely want to take action and clean your gutters or hire a professional to do so.

Foundation Problems

Most homes in Tampa Bay are slab construction. One of the primary purposes of gutters is to direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation. However, if your gutters are clogged, the water overflows them and pools near your home. This can lead to soil erosion which can lead to insufficient support beneath your foundation which leads to structural issues throughout your home. One of the first signs that this is happening is when your mulch pools or washes away.

Damage to Siding and Exterior Walls

When water runs over your gutters not only does it go to the ground, but it flows over the back of your gutters against your home’s fascia and siding. Most fascia is wood. Even treated wood won’t hold up to constantly being wet. When water overflows from clogged gutters, it often cascades down the sides of your home. This can lead to:

• Stains and discoloration on siding or exterior walls.
• Rotting or warping of wooden siding.
• Increased risk of mold and mildew growth on the exterior.

These issues not only damage your home but also diminish its curb appeal, potentially affecting its value.

Water Damage to Your Roof

Clogged gutters prevent water from flowing properly, causing it to back up onto your roof. This standing water can lead to:

• Roof leaks that allow moisture to seep into your home.
• Rotting of roof materials, such as shingles and underlayment.
• Formation of ice dams during winter, which can cause further structural damage.

Over time, these issues can compromise your roof’s integrity, leading to costly repairs or even a full roof replacement.

Pest Infestations

Clogged gutters filled with standing water and debris create the perfect environment for pests, including:

• Mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant water.
• Rodents, like rats or squirrels, looking for nesting spots.
• Insects, such as termites, that are attracted to moist, rotting wood.

These pests can invade your home, posing health risks and requiring costly extermination services.

Damage to Gutter System

Clogged gutters themselves are at risk of damage. The added weight of water, leaves, and debris can cause gutters to:

• Sag or pull away from the roof.
• Develop cracks or holes, rendering them ineffective.
• Collapse entirely under the strain.

Replacing damaged gutters is far more expensive than maintaining clean ones.

Don’t Neglect Your Gutters

Although hiring someone to clean your gutters or install gutter covers does cost money, it costs more to repair a neglected roof, stabilize your foundation and fix the damage in your home. If you find that you have a roof leak or see roof damage from clogged gutters or another reason, call Suncoast Roofing Solutions at (813) 283-2544 or fill out our contact form today to schedule your appointment.