Every half-round gutter system and open-top gutter system will inevitably collect debris like leaves, silt, and twigs over time. If you’re regularly cleaning your gutter system and are cleaning it thoroughly, you’ll most likely avoid clogged gutters. However, if you do not clean them regularly or let too much time go in between cleanings then you could potentially see costly damage as a result of
clogged gutters.
Gutters can become clogged easily, especially if your home is surrounded by trees and you live in a climate that experiences multiple seasons and changing humidity and precipitation levels. Living in Colorado, we see our fair share of severe weather that often brings fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. From our active winter weather patterns to our risk of severe thunderstorms in the summer months, our gutters go through a lot in a given year and should be cleaned regularly.
So what are the dangers of clogged gutters? Can they really cause damage? K-Guard has been around for decades and has seen all sorts of gutter damage from mild cases to extreme cases. Keep reading to learn about the dangers of clogged gutters and what you can do to prevent them.
Clogged Gutters & Damage
1. Roof Damage
Roofs are one of the most expensive investments you’ll ever make for your home. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to install a brand new roof is around $8,000. They also report that Denver homeowners typically spend more than the average homeowner to replace their roofs, spending upwards of $9,000.
Knowing how much we spend to install a new roof, wouldn’t you want it to last as long as possible to protect your investment? Clogged gutters are one of the culprits in causing roof damage – but how? Your home’s gutter system acts as your home’s drainage system by collecting water from your roof and draining the water away from your home. If your gutter system is clogged and isn’t able to function properly, damage to your roof can occur including, but not limited to the following:
- Shingle damage
- Leaks
- Algae and moss buildup
Keeping your gutters clog-free will help protect your home’s roof and, as a result, will lengthen its lifespan.
2. Foundation Damage
Damage that occurs to your home’s foundation as a result of clogged gutters can be a nightmare to deal with. Foundation damage can be anything from cracks in the foundation to upheaval, leaning or tipping, and so on. Foundation damage can occur as a result of improper drainage for meltwater and rainwater due to clogged gutters. If a home’s gutter system isn’t working properly to collect and direct water away from the foundation then the water that’s left to build up over time will cause damage like that listed above.
3. Damage to the Soffit & Fascia Boards
Soffit and fascia boards are components of your roof, functioning to protect your home from the elements. Rain and snow can cause moisture damage to your home, but with a soffit and fascia boards, your home will be protected. Soffits and fascia boards also support a gutter system, so they’re a crucial component of a home.
If your gutters are clogged and are overflowing, that overflowing water has a direct line to your soffit and fascia boards, creating the perfect recipe for damage. If clogged gutters are constantly overflowing and water is left to seep into the soffit and fascia boards then they’ll most likely rot over time. Keeping your gutters clear of clogs will help your soffit and fascia boards to last even longer, further protecting your home from the elements.
4. Damage to Your Landscaping
Whether you did your landscaping or you hired a professional landscaping company, the time, money, and effort that goes into planning and working on your landscaping should be protected. If you have plants, mulch, and other landscaping surrounding your home or anywhere close to your home then clogged gutters could cause significant damage.
Because clogged gutters overflow and water isn’t drained properly, the water has nowhere to go and flows into your yard, around your foundation, and your patio/walkways creating a messy flood. The water that’s left to collect over time can flush your mulch away and kill your plants or overwater your yard, resulting in a muddy mess.
5. Broken Gutters
When gutters become blocked, they can’t properly channel water, leading it to accumulate. Considering that each gallon of water weighs around 8 pounds, this added weight can cause gutters to bend or even detach from the roof. With gutter replacement costs ranging from $1,000 to $7,000, regular cleaning is a key preventive measure against these expenses.
6. Wall and Ceiling Damage
Overflowing gutters can lead to interior water leaks. If gutters are overflowing, water can damage the wooden fascia boards to which they are attached or seep behind siding. This can allow moisture to penetrate your home, potentially necessitating the replacement of wood, insulation, and drywall sections.
7. Ice Dams
Clogged gutters can also cause problems in winter. Trapped water can freeze, forming ice dams, which block the path for melting snow, forcing it under shingles. Ice dams can lead to leaks and gutter damage if not addressed. For removal tips, refer to relevant resources.
8. Wet Basement
Unprotected basements risk dampness from water running down the foundation. This moisture enters through the walls and floor, potentially damaging stored items and leading to mold or mildew. To mitigate this, store valuables elsewhere and consider solutions like a French drain to redirect water.
9. Insect Infestations
Stagnant water in gutters is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Additionally, damp debris in gutters can attract bees and wasps for nest building. Regular gutter maintenance can help prevent these infestations.
How Can I Avoid Clogged Gutters?
The damage mentioned above is just a small list of the dangers of clogged gutters – unfortunately, many other types of damage can occur. Luckily, you can avoid clogged gutters by cleaning them often, but that’s just a temporary fix.
If you’re looking for a permanent way to avoid clogged gutters, consider installing the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System. Most other gutter systems available on the market only have one component whether it be a mesh, hood, topper, etc., while K-Guard is a complete system that includes many parts that work together to keep leaves, twigs, and other debris out of the gutter system. From our curved hood to our large gutters and downspouts, our system allows water to flow freely faster than traditional gutter systems.
Ready to install your seamless, leaf-free gutter system? Schedule a free in-home estimate today. We proudly install the K-Guard Gutter System across the state of Colorado including, but not limited to, the following locations:
