TYPES OF WATER DAMAGE CAUSED BY CLOGGED GUTTERS

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As you begin your spring cleaning chores, be sure to add gutter cleaning to your outdoor list.  Cleaning your gutters in the spring and fall is an excellent way to stay ahead of potential problems that may arise if they are clogged.  From roof leaks to foundation damage, clogged gutters can cause extensive and expensive problems.

Gutter systems are designed so that the water goes into the gutters and not behind them.  Anytime you have water going behind your gutters, that water is destroying your fascia board and going inside your walls.  Once your fascia board gets rotted to the point that it is soft, the fascia can no longer support the weight of the gutters.  What eventually happens is the gutter will fall off of the home.

Spotting Wood Rot

 

Sometimes, it is hard to avoid the fact that wood rot does happen.  Despite your best efforts to keep moisture levels under control, water can seep in and invite fungi to the party.  Knowing how to stop wood rot is important, but correcting the issue will be just as significant.  Be patient with yourself if you must make repairs to damaged areas and try to take new steps to prevent contact with moisture in the new spots.

Visible Deterioration/Discoloration to Fascia

Over time the paint on fascia boards will flake off.  The paint was the protection layer so once this happens the wood is vulnerable to water damage.  The white boards are the easiest to spot discoloration on.

By taking a lap around your home every 6 months to a year you can keep an eye on your fascia boards.  Since the gutters are mounted to the boards, you may only get to see the bottom or the top of the wood.  Look for any signs of rot on the exposed sections of wood you can see. One general rule of thumb is to poke the fascia with a screwdriver.  If it’s solid it is still good.  However, if your screwdriver goes into the wood itself, then that wood is getting soft.

Anything from cracks, splits in the wood, paint peeling, moss, mold, wet spots, termites is all considered fascia board damage.  Since the gutter is mounted to the board and it is higher up, you may need to use a ladder to get an up close view.

ROOF LEAKS

If water backs up in your gutters, the edging of the roof surface and the wood sheeting beneath it can be damaged, causing it to rot.  You may begin to notice a leak or stain on your ceiling if water has gotten in.  If this happens, you will need to replace the damaged shingles or eventually, the whole roof.  Once water leaks into the house, mold can begin to develop within 24-48 hours, which can cause another host of problems, including health issues.

DAMAGE TO SIDING

Water that spills over the gutters will seep down into the siding, window frames, and anything else that is below it, causing the wood to rot and weaken.  Over time, parts of your siding and wood framing may need to be replaced.  If the water gets into the walls of your home, you’re also going to be dealing with mold issues.

GUTTER DAMAGE

When the gutter is overflowing with debris and water, it can get very heavy.  If this happens, the gutter may begin to detach from the side of your home, creating gaps in the system. Sometimes gutters completely detach and fall, potentially causing more damage or injuring someone below.

LANDSCAPE

Excess water falling on plants, shrubs, and flowers can cause physical damage to your landscape.  A concentrated heavy flow may kill the plant life below it.  Not only are plants and shrubs aesthetically pleasing, replacing them is costly.

FOUNDATION DAMAGE

Clogged gutters may cause overflowing water to saturate the ground beneath it.  Pools of water can form and penetrate cracks and pores in the concrete and deteriorate the foundation.  If this is prolonged and extensive, structural damage may occur, causing the house to shift under its weight.

Gutters collect leaves, dirt, and debris throughout the year and require periodic cleaning.  While this task may seem like a nuisance, the alternative to water damage, is worse. As part of your home maintenance, schedule gutter cleaning at least twice a year.