Clogged Gutters 101: Causes, Prevention, and Solutions

We do not often think of our gutter system , but it does so much to protect our home from the outside elements. The primary function of the gutter system is to gather rainwater from the roof and divert it away from your property, keeping extra water from getting on the exterior walls, soil, and foundation of the house. 

Gutters can be installed to assist homeowners in preventing issues with flooding, mold, foundation damage, and even insect infestations. Gutters are an important factor in determining your home’s value.  Bonus points if your gutters are well-maintained!

If you have never cleaned out your gutter, then it is time for you to learn why it is an absolute necessity to maintain the longevity of your home. 

Foundation damage

Water can cause severe damage to your foundation if your gutter system is clogged and incapable of diverting water away from your house. A clogged gutter system will instead overflow with rainwater and work its way down to your foundation, causing immeasurable damage to your home. 

Erosion can also become a serious issue if too much water collects at the base of your foundation. This will, in turn, become a very costly repair job, not to mention add stress to your everyday life as you scramble to get things quickly mended. 

Wet basement

A damaged foundation can lead to a wet basement. With the added moisture and mold from a cracked foundation, the water leaks can become a severe health issue for you and your family. If the damage is left unrepaired for too long, the water trapped in the foundation can freeze over winter and expand the cracks, causing even more water damage. 

Heavy rainfall could see you facing a flooded basement in spring. By routinely cleaning your gutters , save yourself the trouble of dealing with a damaged foundation and wet basement. 

Insect infestation

A clean gutter does not attract any type of wildlife or insects prone to building a nest or breed. However, if your gutters are clogged with organic material like leaves or branches, some animals could see it as an invitation to move in. 

Many insects, such as wasps or even the dreaded carpenter ant, can form nests and quickly become a nuisance. Mammals like squirrels and even raccoons can turn your gutter into their home, eventually causing further water damage to your roof and windows.

Gutter breakage

While it is essential to keep your gutters clean and free of debris, the gutters themselves could break apart from the pressure the debris was putting on them (not to mention the damage that wildlife can do). If you notice your gutters spewing water from a midpoint, or if they leak, you are facing gutter joint breakage. Even if your gutters are brand-new, this type of damage is still possible. 

We mentioned earlier that debris could be the common culprit for gutter breakage, but if you live in a colder climate, then the formation of ice can cause your gutters to expand and incur some damage at the seams. It’s important to keep your gutters clean so that water can always flow freely through your gutters and downspouts and not have a chance to freeze. 

Call us Today to Have Your Gutters Professionally Inspected! 

It might be time to consider upgrading your gutters to the larger 6” size.  Central Exteriors also offers an excellent leaf protection product called Leaf Relief .  Call us today to figure out what’s best for you.

Our team of highly trained professionals will make your gutters look brand new. Call us at our (301) 881-2424 or complete our online contact form to reach us.