April Showers Can Bring Home Headaches

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

Make sure your rain gutters are clear

Did you know that something as simple as clogged gutters can cause major damage in your home. Now that winter is almost over and Spring is coming it is important to check your gutters. With the high winds branches and debris could have filled your gutters you had cleaned just before winter. Cleaning out gutters in the spring might seem like a menial task, but failure to do so can cause major problems for a home. From foundation damage to roof leaks, clogged gutters can lead to expensive repairs when left untreated.

Here are some potential disasters that can happen due to a clogged gutter. 

1. In colder climates, ice dams can form on the gutters or the lower edge of the roof, causing water to pool and eventually seep into the home. While ice dams can form on homes with clean gutters, clogged gutters prevent water from draining, which increases the chance for ice dams.

2. The fascia boards that hold the gutter system are often made of wood. When gutters clog and fill with water, the boards start to deteriorate and rot. If a home has wood siding, clogged gutters can also cause water to overflow out of the gutter system and down the sides of the home.

3. The main role of a gutter system is to channel water off the roof and away from the home's foundation. A blockage can cause water to pour over the sides of the gutter and pool around the foundation. Over time, the water can cause cracks to form and damage the foundation, potentially resulting in collapse. But even if the foundation doesn't fail, the water can still cause mold growth. 

4. A roof replacement can be expensive and it's important to maximize the value of your current roof. When you let your roof sustain continuous damage every time it rains, the clock is ticking and you greatly diminish its lifespan. Something as simple as cleaning out your rain gutters can help you get the absolute most of your roof and will make sure that you're not having to get costly repairs in the meantime.