Have you had your gutters cleaned? If you’re like many homeowners, you probably don’t remember the last time you had your roof and its drainage system cleaned. This is because many don’t realize the important role that their roof’s drainage system has in protecting their property. Clogged gutters can result in damage that is expensive to repair.
Below, we explore some of the problems that can occur when the roof drainage system is not cleaned and becomes clogged.
What Happens if You Don’t Clean Your Gutters
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Foundation damage
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to roof drainage is the foundation of the structure. The primary purpose of the roof drainage is to protect the foundation by directing water away from the ground around the foundation.
Clogged gutters can result in water pooling at the foundation. This can result in soil erosion, cracking and settling of the foundation. If the situation isn’t corrected it can result in even more damage.
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Wet or flooding basements
When water pools around the foundation, it can seep into the basement. The water may seep through the cracks formed as a result of increased pressure acting against the basement walls.
Water seepage can result in problems such as mold infestations. If the situation is not dealt with, the basement may flood during periods of heavy rainfall.
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Damage to walls and ceilings
We’re often asked ‘can clogged gutters cause ceiling leaks?’ The simple answer to this question is yes. When runoff water from the roof isn’t able to flow down the clogged drain, it doesn’t only overflow down to the ground but also upward and under the roof.
When water penetrates through the roof and fascia boards it can get behind the siding of the structure and cause damage including rotting. It can also cause damage to the ceiling including rotting and staining. If this is not corrected, you may have to replace your siding, insulation, drywall, ceilings and even your roof.
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Formation of ice dams
Clogging isn’t only dangerous during seasons of rainfall but also during the winter months. Freezing temperatures can result in the formation of ice within the gutters. This is because water has accumulated within the drainage system. These are known as ice dams.
Ice dams are heavy and can cause damage to gutters by causing them to bend or come off the fascia boards. When ice dams melt they can cause leaks into the home through the roof or from behind the siding.
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Insect infestations
Insects such as mosquitos, termites and cockroaches love moisture. Clogging results in water seeping into the structure of the home. This provides the ideal environment for insects such as termites that can cause significant structural damage to the home. Infestation by insects such as cockroaches isn’t just a nuisance but can also put your health at risk.
Water pooling around the home provides the perfect breeding ground for insects such as mosquitoes. These are carriers of various disease causing organisms. Not cleaning your roof’s drainage system not only puts the structure of your property at risk but also your health.
How to Clean Gutter Downspouts
Taking care of your roof’s drainage system is a requirement. You should make it part of your regular home maintenance routine. At Reflection of Perfection, we provide expert services for cleaning gutters and downspouts.
Our team of experienced technicians will inspect your roof’s drainage system to ensure that it is in good condition and working at optimum. We provide services for repair and cleaning to protect your home from damage. Contact us now to schedule a cleaning. We’d be happy to help.