7 Problems Caused By Not Cleaning Your Roof Gutters

The gutter system is one of the most important parts of your roofing system. Unclean gutters can damage the entire house – from the roof to the foundation. Gutter cleaning is an important aspect of roof maintenance, and it helps prolong the lifespan of the roofing system. This article provides information on 7 problems caused by not cleaning your roof gutters.

Roof Damage

Standing water can cause roof damage in many ways. The shingles will come into contact with water due to clogged gutters and deteriorate sooner than the rest of the roof. Next, the roof deck becomes compromised. If you don’t address the problem immediately, the insulation will get wet and water will eventually get into your house. The end result is water damage to the ceilings and walls of your home.

Fascia & Soffits Damage

When your gutters are clogged with debris, the weight of standing water in the gutter system can damage the fascia and soffits. Cracks in these components will let water enter into your home and cause water damage.

Algae & Moss

Algae and moss grow in damp areas. Uncleaned gutters retain water over time and become the perfect place for algae and moss. In fact, algae and moss look unsightly and cause damage to parts of your roofing system in the long run. That’s why gutter cleaning is so important to prevent unnecessary damage to your roofing system. Coating your roof in an algae removing treatment on your roof before roof waterproofing it will lengthen its life span and the value of your property.

Foundation Damage

When the gutter system is dirty and clogged, water starts spilling from the edge of the gutters. The water will run down the walls, door & window frames, and down to the foundation of your home. When water is continuously absorbed into the foundation, it can lead to foundation cracks and buckling.

On the other hand, this phenomenon will cause your home to shift or sink over time. Foundation repair is quite expensive and time-consuming. You should prevent foundation damage by cleaning the gutter system at regular intervals.

Driveway Problems

Downspouts are crucial to moving water away from your home. When the gutter system is clogged, downspouts won’t do their job properly. Water will drain across the driveway as a result. The added weight of water flowing across your driveway will cause cracks as well as the driveway to heave when out of alignment. Once the water penetrates the driveway over time, water becomes solid during the colder temperatures and causes the cracks to open into gaping holes. Driveway repairs are quite expensive and could be avoided with periodical gutter cleaning.

Pest Infestations

Water collected in the gutter system will allow many different types of bugs and mosquitoes to breed. On the other hand, cockroaches and earwigs will settle down in water-clogged gutters and create so many health issues for your loved ones. You will need to spend money on pest control to solve the issue.

Mold & Mildew On Your Roof And Attic

Too much moisture on the roof offers a perfect condition for mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew will wreak havoc on your roof and the attic. Getting rid of mold and mildew is more expensive than cleaning your gutter system.

The aforementioned article provides information on 7 problems caused by not cleaning your roof gutters.