December 31, 2014

Ways Clogged Gutters can Damage Homes

There’s a reason why experts are exhorting the use of gutter guards to better prevent clogging. Clogged gutters are a nightmare. Here are a few ways clogged gutters can cause serious damage on homes.

Ice dams – Probably the most obvious one on this list, ice dams are the scourge of homeowners in locations where winter hits hard. When ice dams form on gutters or the lower edge of the roof, water on the roof can accumulate and easily seep into the home’s interiors. When this happens, wood rot and mold could follow suit.


Erosion – Clogged gutters can lead to erosion along the home’s foundation, thereby adversely affecting the structure’s integrity. This is because clogged gutters can misdirect the flow of rainwater. Instead of conveying to a drainage, rainwater goes into the ground where it can seep around the home’s foundation, leaving the foundation vulnerable to cracking. If you’re not convinced of water’s erosive power, just remember that the Grand Canyon was carved by water itself.


Wood damage – Wood and water never make an ideal combination. The fascia boards that support the gutter system are typically made of wood—when the water overflows due to clogs, it can easily harm the wood and cause it to deteriorate. The next thing you know, the entire gutter system could simply fall down, taking the fascia boards with it. 

No comments:

Post a Comment