Clogged gutters are more than just an inconvenience—they’re a leading cause of roof damage.
Neglecting gutter maintenance can quickly result in costly repairs or even require a roof
replacement. Typical roof repairs often exceed $1,000. Replacing a shingle roof in the Raleigh,
NC, region costs about $3.30 to $5.50 per square foot, or between $6,600 and $11,000 for a
typical 2,000 sq. ft. roof.
Beyond their unsightly appearance, clogged gutters fail to redirect water safely away from your
roof. The excess weight can bend or damage gutters, lead to ice dams in winter, and cause
water to overflow, seeping into and damaging the roof.
Discover how clogged gutters can harm your roof and how professional gutter cleaning services
can help prevent these issues.
How Gutters Work
Gutters direct rainwater away from your roof and home’s walls and foundation. When it rains,
water flows off the roof and into the gutters. From there, it travels down the system’s
downspouts, which carry the water safely away from your home’s base.
The role of a gutter is to prevent water from pooling on your roof or around your foundation,
protecting your home from wall erosion, roof leaks, or even structural damage. Excessive debris
can clog the gutter and prevent it from working correctly. The most common sign a gutter is no
longer functioning is when water overflows from the edges instead of running down the
downspout.
How Clogged Gutters Lead to Roof Damage
Clogged gutters can damage the roof in different ways, depending on the severity of the
blockage:
● Water overflowing onto the roof. When gutters get blocked, water begins to spill over
the edges instead of draining through the downspouts. This overflow can cause water to
back up onto the roof, damaging the tiles and shingles.
● Excess weight from debris. Gutters clogged with leaves, dirt, and standing water
become heavy. This weight can cause gutters to pull away from the roof, bending or
collapsing it if left unaddressed for too long. As the debris weight pulls the gutters down,
it can also damage the roof’s edge and fascia boards.
● Water seepage into the roof decking. As water overflows from clogged gutters onto
the roof, it can seep into the decking—the layer between the shingles and
structure—and potentially cause leaks. If moisture reaches and remains trapped in the
decking, it can compromise the rafters and underlayment, introducing rot, mold, or
mildew.
● Damage to fascia boards and soffits. Overflowing water can also reach the fascia
boards and soffits. These elements of your roof systems, which are normally designed to
protect your roof’s structural integrity, can be compromised by humidity and water
saturation.
For example, water overflowing from a clogged gutter can rot wooden fascia boards or
peel or crack paint on the soffits. It can also pass through a gap and introduce humidity
inside the roof system.
● Ice dams in cold weather. North Carolina winters can reach cold to freezing
temperatures, especially inland, where snowfall is most common. Ice is common during
the colder months, meaning clogged and waterlogged gutters can form ice dams.
Ice forming inside a clogged gutter can cause water to back up and overflow even more,
eventually reaching the roof and freezing there, potentially damaging the tiles, shingles,
and underlayment. Ice dams are also heavy enough to bend gutters, accelerating wear
and tear.
Long-Term Effects of Ignoring Clogged Gutters
Ignoring clogged gutters doesn’t just lead to roof damage—it can also result in damage to your
home’s external surfaces and foundation. For instance, water overflowing from blocked gutters
can reach the outside walls, potentially cracking the stucco or introducing rot to wood decking
and siding.
If water from an overflowing gutter accumulates on the home’s base or the surrounding soil, it
can also put the foundation at risk. Prolonged exposure to humidity can accelerate the
foundation’s erosion and introduce cracks into the home’s structure.
Preventative Measures
Maintaining your gutters is essential to avoiding these costly repairs. Here’s how you can
prevent clogged gutters from causing roof damage:
● Regular gutter inspections. Inspect your gutters regularly, especially after heavy
storms or during the fall season, when leaves are most abundant. Look for signs your
gutter needs cleaning, such as debris buildup, sagging gutters, or water pooling. Regular
inspections help you spot and address potential problems before they worsen.
● Cleaning gutters. The best way to prevent gutters from clogging is to clean them
regularly and thoroughly. While DIY cleaning may be enough to keep smaller debris out,
a professional gutter cleaning service near you is necessary to clean the whole gutter
system thoroughly. Professionals have access to the tools and cleaning solutions to
safely remove all types of debris, including the most stubborn and the hardest to reach.
● Installing gutter guards. A gutter guard is a mesh that keeps out leaves and large
debris while allowing water to flow through. Gutter guards reduce the need for frequent
cleanings and help maintain proper water flow, ensuring your gutters function efficiently.
● Proper downspout maintenance. When cleaning your gutters, remember to maintain
your downspouts. Without regular cleanings, they can accumulate debris and become
clogged.
Additionally, verify they are positioned and aimed correctly so the water they divert does
not pool near your home’s foundation. You can use a garden hose and pour a small
quantity of water down the gutter to test the downspout and verify it drains water
correctly.
When to Call a Professional?
While DIY gutter cleaning and maintenance can help prevent the need for more comprehensive
repairs, there are situations where it may not be enough. If your gutters are severely blocked or
if you notice leaks or sagging, consider calling a professional.
At The Service Pros, we offer comprehensive pressure washing services to keep your gutters
and roof in top condition. We can help you identify and repair the damage to your roof and
gutter system. Our team uses state-of-the-art cleaning equipment and receives continuously
updated training on the best and latest techniques, not only repairing your roof and gutter but
also protecting them from future damage.
Prevent Roof Damage: Keep Your Gutters Clear With The Service Pros
Keep your gutters clean and functioning properly to protect your home from costly roof damage.
At The Service Pros, we specialize in professional gutter cleaning and power washing services.
We can perform the necessary repairs and maintenance so your gutters continue to work as
intended, diverting water away from your roof, exterior surfaces, and foundation.
Whether you need routine maintenance or help with a more serious issue, we’ve got you
covered. Contact us for a free estimate and see how our dedicated team can keep your home in
top shape.
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