Your gutters are the primary way to collect rainwater from your roof and divert the flow away from your home. When gutters are clogged with leaves and debris, the rainwater doesn’t drain and remains stagnant on the roof causing leaks and other structural damage to your home. Roof and ceiling leaks from clogged gutters can even lead to mold growth or pest infestation, so it’s important for the health of your family that you address these issues promptly.
What Happens if You Leave Gutters Clogged?
Clogged Gutters Can Cause Roof & Ceiling Leaks
A clogged gutter that isn’t draining properly allows water to build up until it becomes too heavy. Trapped water can get up under the roof coating, causing damage to the edge of your roof’s surface and the underlying materials.
Over time, you’ll notice signs of water damage in your home’s interior ceiling. As water leaks through to the inside of the roof, structural components of your home, furniture, appliances, and electrical systems are all at risk of water damage.
Ice Dams Will Form
While clogged gutters do not cause ice dams, they can worsen the problem. When the snow begins to melt from your roof, the resulting water needs a place to go. If the water cannot drain away, ice will build up and form ice dams.
The Fascia Board Will Rot
The fascia boards are the wooden components that your gutters are mounted to. Water that spills over the gutters will seep into the fascia boards, causing the wood to deteriorate and rot.
The Foundation Will Be Compromised
A clogged gutter allows water to spill over the sides and pool around your foundation. The water can saturate the ground and cause erosion which weakens the walls. If this is prolonged and extensive, the foundation can sustain damage, compromising the structural integrity of your home.
The Gutters Can Bend or Tear Away From the Fascia
When your gutters are overflowing with debris and water, they can bend or sag from all the extra weight. The weight can also strain the fasteners and tear the gutters from the fascia board.
You May End Up With an Insect Infestation
Debris and pooling water in your gutters can be the perfect breeding ground for insects and pests. Your clogged gutters will be an inviting place for mosquitoes, termites, cockroaches, flies, bees, wasps, and ants.
Why You Should Work With a Reputable Roofer to Fix Clogged Gutters & Ceiling Leaks
While it is good to have confidence in your DIY skills, a leaking roof caused by clogged gutters is best left to a professional roofing contractor. Roof inspection or repair can be complex, dangerous, and tedious. Working with a reputable roofer will keep you safe, save you time and money, and give you the peace of mind your roof will be repaired correctly.
You can rely on Adam Vaillancourt Roofing for quality roof and gutter repair and cleaning in the Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts areas. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection.
