The Hidden Dangers of Clogged Gutters: How Does a Gutter Cleaner Mitigate Them?

 Clogged gutters are more than just an eyesore. Over time, they can cause extensive and costly damage to your home.

Regular gutter cleaning by a professional gutter cleaner is essential to avoid these dangers. This blog will discuss the main problems caused by clogged gutters. It will explore how the right gutter cleaner can effectively prevent them.

Dangers of blocked gutters gutter cleaners handle

Here are some of the major issues you can have from a clogged gutter.

1. Gutter Damage

Clogged gutters filled with debris can become very heavy. This extra weight strains the gutters, often bending or pulling them away from the home.

Gutters sagging under the weight can also come loose at the seams. Tree branches rubbing against full gutters will damage them over time.

A qualified gutter cleaner will regularly clear out gutters. This prevents dangerous buildup and removes excess weight. Expert cleaners will check that all gutter joints are secure. Timely gutter cleaning every 4-6 months makes sure gutters remain intact.

2. Roof Damage

Gutters overflowing with debris and water can lead to damage to shingles and roof tiles. The excess moisture seeps under shingles, causing rot and fungus growth.

Pooled water also corrodes and rusts metal roofing over time. Large volumes of water cascading down from full gutters washes away granules on asphalt shingles.

This degrades their protective coating. Tree branches, leaves and other debris accumulating in blocked gutters can scratch and puncture roofing.

A reliable gutter cleaning professional will clear out debris with care to avoid damage. Keeping gutters obstruction-free with regular cleaning prevents overflow issues.

3. Leaks Indoors

Clogged gutters are unable to effectively divert rainwater runoff. This leads to water seeping into fascia boards and down interior walls. Moisture ingress through walls causes peeling paint and plaster damage.

Pooled water on foundations can even leak into the basement or crawl space. Overflowing gutters also increase the risk of water penetration around windows.

This moisture damage often goes unnoticed until walls are extensively damaged. Stopping leaks needs extensive repairs.

A trained gutter cleaner inspects for any damage during cleaning. Cleaners make sure gutters drain freely. This stops cascades of water and keeps the foundation dry.

4. Wall Cracks

Excess moisture from clogged gutters saturates the soil near foundation walls. This leads to soil expansion and contraction cycles that stress the walls. Prolonged soil moisture creates uneven movement and cracks in brick and concrete foundation walls.

Water overflow often lands near one section of the house. This area sees the most foundation damage and cracking. Improper gutter drainage also channels runoff right alongside the foundation. Erosion at the base of the walls creates more cracks.

Trained professionals clean entire gutter runs and downspouts. Proper gutter functioning directs water well away from the foundation. Regular cleaning prevents excessive foundation moisture.

5. Drain Blockage

Gutter debris like leaves, twigs and tennis balls frequently wash down into downspouts. This causes clogging at the elbows where downspouts angle underground.

Water backup leads to flooded gutters and splashback damage on exterior walls. Blocked underground drains also create soggy soil and stormwater pooling at the foundation. The excess moisture seeps into basement walls. Tree roots can grow into clogged drains, entirely blocking the pipe.

Qualified cleaners check downspouts and use drain augers to clear blockages. They install gutter guards to keep large debris out. Routine cleaning prevents drain clogs and backups from leading to foundation leaks.

6. Pest Problems

Clogged gutters with trapped moisture and rotting debris attract various pests. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water pools. The insects then easily enter through overhang vents.

Rodents like rats and mice also nest in blocked gutters filled with leaves. They find easy access to roofs and attics this way. Wasps frequently build mud nests on clogged gutters. Ant and termite infestations are common behind soggy gutters.

Professional gutter cleaning removes standing water and debris where pests breed. It seals any roof and soffit holes used by rodents. Regular cleaning and gutter repairs discourage pest nesting.

A gutter cleaner may also apply bug-repellent treatments. Preventing pests saves on expensive extermination costs down the line.

7. Foundation Damage

Soil moisture from clogged gutters collects around the foundation over time. It causes the soil to expand and contract, depending on the weather. These cycles lead to cracks in the foundation walls.

Pooled water also seeps through walls into the basement, causing leaks and mould growth. Erosion is common wherever overflowing gutters constantly direct water runoff.

This wears away the soil at the foundation edge. A certified gutter cleaning company can prevent moisture damage.

Cleaned gutters drain water far from the foundation through downspouts. Checked downspouts result in no leaks near the foundation. A dry foundation avoids the risk of costly settlement cracks and leaks into the basement.

Conclusion

Clogged gutters lead to extensive and expensive property damage if left unattended. The wise approach is prevention through professional gutter cleaning every 4-6 months.

A qualified gutter cleaner examines all issues and keeps gutters cleared. This offers optimal performance and drainage. Investing in regular gutter cleaning saves costly damages down the line. Safeguard your most valuable asset with clean and clear gutters.