Leaking Roof
One of the dangers of clogged gutters is a leaky roof. When water stays in the gutter too long, it can cause rust and the gutters themselves can slowly start to pull away from the home. This allows cracks to start to form and pockets where water can leak into the structure of the home and begin to rot away wood.
Flooded Basement
Another danger of clogged gutters is a flooded basement. When water on your roof does not flow through your downspouts and away from the home, it can collect around the foundation of your home. When this happens, water can soften the soil around your home causing the foundation to shift. When this happens, cracks can slowly start to form in your foundation and water can begin to seep in and flood your basement.
Harboring Insects
The last danger of clogged gutters we are going to discuss is the harboring of insects and rodents. When your gutter is blocked and water sits for a long time, it provides shelter for mosquitos, cockroaches, flies, molds and other disease carrying insects. Harboring these insects can pass disease and other dangers along to your family.
How Often Should Gutters Be Cleaned?
At minimum, your gutters should be cleaned early in the spring and late in the fall. These cleanings will ensure your gutters don’t backup from debris falling in the winter and your gutters wont freeze with water in the winter. We also recommend having your gutters cleaned after a big storm that may have blown leaves, twigs, branches and other debris around that can collect in your gutters.
Are Gutter Covers A Solution?
Gutter covers do help keep debris out of your gutters. However, debris can still get through the gutter covers and cause backups. If you have gutter covers, we still recommend having your gutters checked every spring and fall to make sure debris has not collected in them.
