Blocked Gutters Can Cause Damage

It is not at all uncommon for gutters to become blocked over time.  Many homeowners pay little attention to this problem, not knowing blocked gutters can cause damage.  It is much cheaper and easier to take care of the initial problem instead of waiting and having to make more costly repairs.

Leaves, small branches, pine needles, and other debris can cause your gutters to become blocked.  The best way to keep a blockage from developing into a more serious problem is to clean your gutters on a regular basis.  At the very least you should do this at least twice a year.

You may want to do it more often if you have a lot of trees in your yard, or ifyou live near a wooded area.  Branches overhanging your roof should ideally be trimmed back.  You will save yourself a lot of trouble especially when the leaves start falling in the fall.

Blocked gutters can cause water to accumulate on your roof.  In addition to damaging the roof and shingles the water can also start leaking and cause problems inside your home.  On the outside, the foundation will be subjected to water damage if it is not corrected in a timely manner.

The water can eventually destroy the foundation's support system.  If the situation gets bad enough your floors or walls may even start to crack as the house settles down.  Needless to say, these repairs can be extremely expensive.

If you have a basement, then you should pay close attention to your gutter system.  If the water is not routed far enough away from the foundation, then it will eventually find its way into your basement.  Flooding, mold, and mildew can be the results of this happening.

As mentioned earlier water can accumulate in blocked gutters.  Since insects are always looking for a water source, they will be attracted to your gutters.  You do not want this to happen since insects can transmit diseases as well as damage your home.

Blocked gutters can cause more serious problems depending on the type of roof you have.  If your roof is sloped like most, then erosion will be the primary concern.  However, homeowners with flat roofs have an increased risk of experiencing flooded rooms in their homes.

Now you can see examples of the problems blocked gutters can cause.  Therefore, you should never let the situation go without being fixed.  By fixing it as soon as possible, you will save yourself a lot of money over the long run.