You may think a blocked gutter is harmless, but if left unchecked, it can lead to serious issues.
From water damage to pest infestations, the risks of neglecting gutter maintenance can quickly
escalate.
When gutters get clogged, water can pool within them and on the roof, exposing your home to
excess moisture. This standing water can result in structural damage, encourage mold and
mildew growth, and even cause water damage to your foundation and interior spaces.
Neglecting gutter maintenance can degrade your home in many ways, from the gutter itself to
more severe damage to the home’s exterior and foundation. The costs of fixing these issues
can range from about $400 for minor gutter damage to over $5,000 for foundation repairs.
Addressing gutter blockages promptly is essential to avoid costly repairs and protect your home
from long-term harm. If you discover your gutters are blocked, it’s essential to understand why
contacting a gutter cleaning service near you is important.
Immediate Effects of Blocked Gutters
Gutters can accumulate all kinds of debris over time, from leaves, twigs, and dirt to pine
needles, roof shingle granules, bird nests, seed pods, and various other objects. The first signs
of neglect can appear within weeks.
Failing to check and clean the gutters regularly can create immediate issues, including:
● Water overflow. This is the first and most obvious risk; if the gutters are blocked, they
cannot safely divert water into the downspouts. The excess runs down the gutters’ sides
and onto the sides of your home, exposing them to humidity.
● Pooling water around the foundation. Improper water drainage due to blocked gutters
can cause water to accumulate and pool around the foundation. The immediate risk is
that water can soften the soil around the foundation, potentially weakening it.
● Weight strain on gutters. Debris clogging the gutters adds weight they are not meant
to support. On rainy days, the debris can absorb some of the water, further increasing
the stress. This can cause them to sag, break mounting brackets, and eventually detach
or hang from the house.
Professional gutter cleaning services are the best solution for preventing gutter clogging and
protecting your home from longer-term damage.
Long-Term Damage to Different Parts of the Home
In addition to the immediate risks, leaving a blocked gutter unaddressed for long enough
increases the possibility of more serious issues. Standing and pooling water can cause the
following long-term and structural damage:
● Roof damage. Blocked gutters can prevent water from circulating correctly into the
downspouts. With nowhere to go, water can pool on top of the roof, potentially damaging
or decaying roofing materials and creating the risk of leaks and water infiltration.
● Foundation damage. Water that falls out of the gutters or circulates down the sides of
your home can seep into the soil surrounding the foundation. As the soil becomes
saturated with water, the foundation becomes more vulnerable to erosion or cracks,
introducing or accelerating foundation settling.
● Fascia and soffit deterioration. Water overflowing from your gutters can damage two
important roof components: the fascia (the horizontal side board along the roof’s edge)
and the soffit (the roof’s overhanging underside). These roof parts are often made of
materials that can rot or deteriorate under excessive humidity, such as wood or
composite.
● Basement flooding. As excess water continues to pour out of blocked gutters, it can
eventually seep through the basement walls and floor, weakening them. Cracks may
develop, allowing water to pass through and flood the basement.
● Siding and exterior wall damage. Prolonged exposure to overflowing gutter water can
damage your house’s exterior walls in several ways. Examples include peeling paint,
rotting wood panels, and cracks or stains in the stucco or siding.
Secondary Effects of Blocked Gutters
In addition to the damage caused by excess water, increased humidity can create secondary
health and structural risks to your home and its occupants.
● Mold and mildew growth. Long-term exposure to humidity creates the ideal conditions
for mold and mildew to grow, both inside and outside the home. Signs of mold and
mildew manifest with musty odors and colored spots on walls, ceilings, and corners,
typically green, black, brown, or whitish.
After addressing the cause with professional gutter cleaning, pressure washing services
can help remove these spots and eliminate mold and mildew from your home’s surfaces.
● Attracting pests. The increased humidity caused by standing gutter water can attract
pests. For example, blocked gutters can become breeding grounds for local insects,
such as mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. Rodents may also use the standing water as a
source of water, incentivizing them to form nests.
● Ice dams in winter. In the winter, standing water in blocked gutters can freeze, forming
the foundation for an ice dam. Over time, water from ice and snow can cause the ice
dam to grow, applying extra weight to the gutters and potentially blocking more water.
Failing to address an ice dam can damage the gutters, push water and humidity into the
house’s insulation, and cause additional leaks and water damage.
Avoiding DIY Risks with Professional Gutter Cleaning
While some homeowners attempt DIY gutter cleaning, it can often be risky and insufficient.
Without the proper tools and expertise, DIY efforts may miss hidden debris or fail to clear
blockages entirely, leaving your home vulnerable to damage. Additionally, climbing ladders and
handling tools at height can pose safety hazards.
Professional gutter cleaning experts not only have the equipment to do a thorough job, but they
also ensure your gutters are properly maintained, protecting your home from costly issues in the
long term.
Secure Your Foundation and Roof: Maintain Your Gutters
At The Service Pros, we have 20 years of experience providing our power washing services and
gutter cleaning expertise to homeowners in North Carolina. Our team has the resources to help
you keep your gutters free of debris, protecting your greatest asset from water damage, mold,
mildew, and other structural risks.
We serve over 50 locations and we stand out from the competition with top-of-the-line
equipment and our very own soft-washing and low-pressure cleaning solution. Contact us today
to request a quote.
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