Problems Caused by Clogged Eavestroughs

It is difficult to wash eavestroughs. The stuff you find in the eavestroughs is usually unpleasant: slimy leaves insects, crabapples that are rotten, garbage, and other sludge. It's enough to put a homeowner off getting rid of their eavestroughs entirely!

The issue is that you must clean your eavestroughs. They aren't just for show, they also play an important role to protect your home from water destruction. However, if they become clogged they can make water damage even worse.

We'll discuss four serious problems that may arise by eavestroughs that become blocked. Then, we'll give you tips and tricks on how to clear them.

Roof damage

Your roof's slope is such that the water coming off your roof can drain to your eavestroughs. The eavestroughs then channel water away from the foundation of your house.

When your eavestroughs become blocked, however, water will build up in them and start to reach your roof. In the worst-case scenario, the water could begin to flow back on your roof. This will slowly cause the wood on your roof to begin to turn into rot. It's possible for things to get extremely bad following an excessive amount of rain.

The rot will create leaks. Eventually, those leaks may become so extensive that you'll have to repair your entire roofing repaired quickly.

Another issue with blocked gutters can result in the formation of ice dams. When the snow melts off your roof, it's supposed to get into your gutters before flowing away from your foundation. If that's not feasible but the water may end in your roof (or within your gutters) and freeze.

The gutters of your home can be hard and brittle when they are burdened by the ice. That can lead to serious damages to your roof.

Foundation destruction

In the previous section, eavestroughs were designed to redirect rain away from the foundation.

They won't be able to do it in the event that they're clogged.

Liquids take up as much space as they can. If your eavestroughs work properly, they follow the path with the least resistance. They'll go right down the eavestroughs, passing by the downspout and away from the foundation.

However, if your eavestroughs become blocked, water can often spill out through the eavestroughs and into the foundation of your home. The water then pools at times, especially in heavy rain.

The consequences could be severe. The water can cause cracks and the foundation to become unstable. Basement flooding is another real possibility, as the water that dries up enters cracks and then flows into your home.

This means that gutter cleaning downspouts and downspouts are vital for maintaining the integrity of your home's structural structures.

They can lead the wood to begin to decay

Wood that is rotting is a major problem, and unfortunately, the areas immediately around your eavestroughs are often made of wood.

The wood used for the fascia is made of the fascia that supports the gutter. The fascia can rot in the event that water gets accumulated. This is a serious problem by itself, but it could lead to more difficult problems.

The structural integrity of the fascia. It becomes weaker. It's also holding your gutters in place, they'll begin to break off - leading to more severe damage.

Problems with rotting wood and blocked gutters don't end there. Wood is also used in sidings for homes. While you should be making efforts to waterproof and seal sidings made of wood, a continual flood of water from clogged gutters can destroy your efforts.

Leaks in your house can be caused by rotten siding.

Animal and insect damage

Animals require water, food, and shelter in order to live.

For numerous unwanted pests blocked gutters should be checked in all of those boxes.

Infested gutters are the most popular habitat for termites. Termites can be found in leaves and twigs that pile in the gutters. They can then quickly become a complete nuisance to your house. The most dangerous insect in SD is mosquitoes. They need to live in stagnant waters in order to reproduce.

The issues don't stop there. The material in the gutter could be used by birds to build nests. This increases the weight of your gutter, which can cause it to clog further. It can also result in birds making their way to your attic.

How frequently should they be cleaned?

At a minimum, your gutters need to be cleaned at least every other year. Follow this advice and clean your gutters during the fall. The fall leaves and the fruits can build up quickly.

Many homeowners feel it is better to clean their gutters twice each year. The first in autumn is to take out any fallen leaves or fruits that are collected during the fall and summer seasons. The other time is spring to get rid of all rotting and debris that may have built up over the winter.

In reality, there is no single answer for how often your gutters should be cleaned. It's dependent on numerous factors, including how your gutters were designed and how many trees are close to your house.

If you observe that your gutters are blocked and the water is spilling over, you should clean them right away.

Conclusion

Clogged gutters can cause serious harm to your home. Pests could use your gutters as their home. You risk seeing damage to your roof, foundation and sidings - basically, the entire exterior of your home.

Cleaning gutters isn't an easy task. And it can be dangerous in the event that you're not comfortable climbing up a ladder. It's also a job that should be completed right - leaves and other particles can become a problem if you do not clean out the right spots.

roofing company rapid city sd
roofing contractors rapid city sd
roofing rapid city
roofing companies in rapid city south dakota
quality roofing rapid city, sd

Teamwork Exteriors
2040 W. Main Street Suite 311, Rapid City, SD 57702
(605) 646-4206