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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

Common Problems Caused by Clogged Gutters

Below are problems caused by clogged gutters:

1. Roof Damage

2. Wood Fascia Damage

3. Damage to Walls, Windows, Doors and Patios

4. Damage to Foundations and Landscaping

1. Roof Damage

If water is constantly sitting in your gutters due to blockages, the edge of your roof surface and underlying materials can become damaged by the constant contact with water.  This causes the wood and surface material to rot and become weak.  Eventually the surface and the wood underneath will have to be replaced.

2. Wood Fascia Damage

Water backed up in gutters is heavy (8 pounds per gallon) which can cause the gutter attachments to pull away from the wood fascia it is attached to, damaging the wood.  Clogged gutters can rot and weaken fascia boards, therefore making it easier for water to enter the house to cause wall and ceiling damage.

3. Damage to Walls, Windows, Doors and Patios

Water that spills over the gutter falls onto walls, window frames, doors and patios etc.  These things are not designed to have much water contact.  Your gutters and downspouts are a protective mechanism, when they are blocked and not doing their job, your walls, windows, doors and patios can rot, warp and weaken as a result.

4. Damage to Foundations and Landscaping

Your foundations support the entire structural integrity of your home.  Excess water can cause the foundations to leak, shift, crack or even sink.  Clean gutters and downspouts carry water away from your home and foundation to points where it can be easily absorbed into the ground or drainage system.

If you have a 2,000-square-foot home, every inch of rain translates to more than 1,200 gallons of water pouring down your roof!  A properly functioning gutter will carry that water through a downspout and away from your home.  But a clogged gutter does the opposite—allowing water to spill over the sides and pour down your walls.  Pooling water around your foundation can cause erosion which weakens the walls, leading to foundation cracks and settling.

5. Broken gutters

When your gutters are clogged, the water they collect has no place to go. Instead, it fills your gutters to the brim. With each gallon of water weighing about 8 pounds, all that extra weight can bend your gutters or tear them away from the roof.

6. Wall and ceiling damage

Clogged gutters can also cause water leaks on the inside of your home.  Trapped water can rot the wooden fascia boards your gutters are mounted to, letting moisture enter your home.  In the winter months, ice dams can drive snow melt underneath your shingles.

7. Wet basement

 If your basement isn’t waterproofed, the water pouring down your foundation can lead to a damp basement. This is caused by water seeping through your basement’s porous walls and floor.

This year, resist the urge to put off the chore. Need some motivation?

Raising a ladder to dig mud and leaves from your gutters never sounds like a fun job.  But if you’re a homeowner, it’s worth the hassle.  That’s because cleaning your gutters can help prevent anything from bees’ nests to a bad foundation.  Your gutters and downspouts are designed to divert the flow of water away from your home.  It’s an important job, because even a little bit of water can cause a lot of damage.

Problems caused by clogged or broken gutters are expensive to fix, but easy to prevent. (Just clear the debris!) But before you get out the ladder, check out these tips on how to clean your gutters safely:

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS:

• Ladder safety 101: Your ladder should be sturdy, safe and large enough for the job.  Never stand on the top three rungs of a ladder or put yourself in an unsafe position, and be sure to have someone nearby in case of an emergency.

• Use the proper tools: There are more tools involved than the ladder and your hands.  Thick suede gloves, protective eyewear and long sleeves add an extra layer of protection against bacteria, cuts and pests.  A plastic scooping tool and bucket can help you clean out and dispose of debris.  You can also use a garden hose to wash away mud and unclog downspouts.

• Know when to hire a pro: If the job is too physically demanding or you’d prefer to play it safe and hassle-free, contact a professional to clean your gutters.  The cost will vary depending on the size of your home.