The gutters that are attached to the roof are designed to guide water from the roof away from our homes. It is important that gutters always function correctly, as failure could result in significant roof damage and damage to your home.

As a homeowner, it is incredibly important that you include cleaning your gutters as part of maintaining your home. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not realize that there is a problem with their gutters until it is too late, and they have suffered roof damage. This makes it critically important to clean your gutters routinely in order to avoid causing serious issues.

How to Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning gutters is not a difficult task. You will want to remove any leaves or branches and other debris inside. It can help to use a pressure washer to remove excess dirt and debris from the surface and prevent roof damage. 

You will want to run the water through the gutters and down the waterspouts to make sure that the system functions properly. If you notice any cracks or damage to the gutters, you should address them immediately.

Common Issues Caused by Clogged Gutters

Failing to clean gutters can have a significant impact on every part of your home. Unfortunately, dealing with the consequences can be time-consuming and extremely costly. Here are just some of the ways that failing to clean your gutters can result in roof damage and other problems.

Clogged Gutters Can Cause Roof Damage

When it comes to ensuring that your roof is able to last, draining water is essential. When water builds up on roofs as a result of clogged gutters, it can result in roof damage. The water can puddle and cause holes or weakening of your roof. 

This roof damage can lead to severe leaks, which can impact your entire home. If water builds up on the roof as a result of clogged gutters, it can result in damage to your trusses and decking if it penetrates through the surface.

Clogged Gutters Can Cause Damage to Fascia and Wood

Having clogged gutters can increase the risk of your facia and wood being damaged. When debris and other objects sit in the gutter, and heavy water is added to it, the added weight can cause the entire system to pull away or snap off. This can impact the facia and even damage the side of your home. This type of roof damage can be incredibly costly to repair.

Clogged Gutters Can Damage Your Windows, Walls, Patios, and Doors

When the water on your roof is unable to evacuate properly, it can result in the water pouring over at any point of the gutter system. This can cause the water to crash down on your windows, walls, patios, and even your doors.

If the objects below are not properly sealed, it can result in significant water damage, which can even extend to the interior of your home. In some cases, it can result in paint peeling off and other damage.

Clogged Gutters Can Result in Damage to Your Landscaping and Foundation 

To protect the foundation of your home, it is important that water does not pool up beside it. This is where gutters come in. Gutters take on the critical role of redirecting water away from the foundation of your home to prevent damage.

When gutters do not function correctly, it can result in the water crashing down and damaging your landscaping. The water can then pool around the foundation of your home and penetrate through. This can lead to structural and foundation issues, which can make your home unsafe to live in.

Clogged Gutters Increase the Chances of Pest Infestation

Water in your attic can influence the growth of dangerous mildew and mold. Unfortunately, it is also the breeding ground for bugs, pests, and animals. Having a mosquito infestation, cockroach infestation, or even animals living on your roof can quickly result in significant roof damage. 

When gutters fail to function correctly, it can increase the chances of water building up in attracting these pests. When pests infest your roof, it can lead to significant damage and leaks.

Clogged Gutters Can Increase Your Chances of Slipping and Falling

When water fails to drain correctly from your gutters, it can cause the water to cascade down from them. Unfortunately, the water can pool up and puddle in your driveway, near your doorways, and on your sidewalks.

If you do not notice the water, it can cause you to slip. In addition, water pouring out of these areas from melted snow can result in ice buildup, which can be incredibly dangerous.

Clogged Gutters Can Result in Issues With Your Driveway

When the water is not pulled away from your home by working downspouts and gutters, it can cause the water to pool up around its surface. In some cases, the water can build up along the driveway. The added weight across the driveway can cause significant damage, such as cracking. It can even cause your driveway to heave or come out of alignment.

Once the water penetrates the driveway, cool temperatures can force the water to solidify and cause significant cracks on the surface. Water can also pull up and enter underneath the driveway and cause serious damage.

To avoid experiencing any roof damage or other damage to your home, it is important that you routinely clean your gutters in order to make sure they function properly. If you need assistance when it comes to maintaining your roof or with any roof repairs, you can reach out to our professionals.

Let Canga Restoration in Chicagoland, Help

Our roof repair and restoration professionals at Canga Restoration have extensive experience helping homeowners across the Chicago, IL, area for more than a decade. We have remained committed to being the top choice for both residential and commercial clients since 2010, and we will do everything we can to ensure that you are fully satisfied with our work. Contact our team at Canga Restoration now for a free estimate to get started.