Clogged gutters are not a joke. They can cause a number of problems to your home, including a whole host of issues with your roof and foundational stability. From rotting walls and water damage to mould and mildew, gutters can also cause some damage to the outside of your home that can be more expensive than you think. So, here we'll be taking a look at the most common issues caused by gutters being clogged.
One of the most common causes of clogged gutters is damage to your foundation. Foundation damage occurs when water sits in the gutter after it rains. When this happens, the water can begin to rot, because it doesn't have anywhere to go. Eventually, this rotting and decaying process can lead to foundation cracks. As a result, your house can begin to lean or even tip over if large enough cracks are formed on the foundation.
Although it's not as common as foundation damage, clogged gutters can also cause your roof to rot and fall apart. When water sits inside a gutter, it can cause erosion that will eventually lead to your roof falling off or crumbling. This is typically more of an issue with older homes, but unfortunately, it can be quite difficult to tell when the damage has occurred.
The wood fascia is a large covering near the bottom of your roof that surrounds the outside of your home. It protects the lower part of your home from water damage that comes from rain. Large clogs in gutters can end up pushing this water so far into and under your fascia board that it begins to rot away. As a result, this can cause the fascia board to fall off or be severely damaged. If you notice any issues with your fascia board, you may have a problem with clogged gutters.
The landscape near your home can also begin to suffer from clogged gutters. Over time, leaves and other debris will build up inside the gutter, which will block the water and cause it to flow out of the gutter and into your landscaping. This can lead to erosion in your landscaping over time, which will make it more difficult for you to keep it looking clean and green.
Your home's interior can also suffer from damage caused by a gutter that is clogged. When water sits in the gutter after it rains, it can begin to erode the wall or ceiling beneath it. This erosion is typically not severe enough to cause structural damage, but it can still result in some mould and mildew forming in your walls or ceiling.
The basement of your home can also be affected by clogged gutters. When water sits in the gutter, it can begin to pool in the lowest point of the house. When this water pools, it will cause erosion damage, which can eventually lead to cracks in the foundation of your home that go all the way down to your basement. This is typically not severe enough for the basement itself to fall apart, but it does make it more susceptible to moisture and other environmental factors that could cause future damage.
One of the more surprising problems that can occur due to clogged gutters is a pest infestation. When water sits in the gutter after it rains, it begins to create a breeding ground for moulds and other fungi. These fungi can attract a number of pests and insects, including spiders, mosquitoes, and other unwanted creatures.
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Even if you haven't had any issues with your gutters before, there are still some clues as to whether or not they're clogged. If your gutters have been installed recently, they probably won't be clogged. However, if you have existing gutters, you should be on the lookout for these signs:
If you notice any of your gutter covers are missing, it could be an indication that the cover is clogged. When a gutter is clogged, water will begin to back up into the cover and eventually cause it to erode. This erosion will then cause the cover to fall off and be lost. If your gutter covers are missing, it could be that they need cleaning or that they were recently clogged.
If you notice any of your gutters are clogged at the spout, it could mean that one of your downspouts isn’t draining properly. This clog can also cause water to back up into the gutter and make other parts of it erode. If you notice any of your gutters have a clogged spout, it could also be an indication your gutters are clogged.
Seeing holes in your ceiling can be a sign that you have a clogged gutter. This is typically caused by water building up on the underside of the roof and then overflowing into one of your gutters. One way to deal with this is by removing the debris around the gutter and running a hose up through the hole. This will drain the water out of the gutter and stop the pooling.
If you notice mould and mildew on your walls or ceiling, it could mean that your gutters are clogged. The mould and mildew in this case are caused by water sitting in the gutter after it rains. If you notice this mould building up, you may want to have your gutters cleaned or replaced to avoid further issues with mould growth.
If you have cracks in your wall or ceiling, that could be an indication of a clogged gutter. These cracks are caused when water pools at the base of your home and begins to erode your wall or ceiling. The erosion will eventually cause a crack to form, which is most common on sloped roofs and ceilings.
Water that isn’t drained properly can also cause mould and mildew to grow on your roof. This is a surefire sign of a clogged gutter. If you notice this occurring, one way to deal with it is by cleaning out the gutters, but if the problem continues, you may want to have them replaced instead. The purpose of gutters is to get water off your roof before it has a chance to pool and erode the structure of your home.
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