Gutters are a tiny part of the house to everyone, but when clogged,
the damage done to the roof is enormous. Clogged gutters do not allow
water to flow as it is meant to, and this can result in leaks, roof decay,
and even foundation issues. Let us understand how it happens and what
you can do to prevent it.
Roof Leaks and Water Overflow
If gutters are clogged with leaves, soil, and debris, water will not pass
through them. Instead, it will overflow and sit on your roof or seep
behind the shingles. Over time, this water will seep into your ceiling
or attic, causing water damage, mold, and rot. This is especially
hazardous in places like Calgary where ice and snow make the
condition worse.
Rotting of Roof Edges and Fascia Boards
Water trapped in clogged gutters can spill over the sides of your home
and seep into the fascia boards (wood trim along your roofline). The
boards rot, and it is simpler for bugs to get inside and more difficult
for your roof to remain strong. The damage can then extend to the roof
deck and be more expensive to fix.
Ice Dams in Winter
In Calgary’s cold winter, blocked gutters can produce ice dams. When
melted snow cannot drain away, it will re-freeze along the gutter edge
and form a block of ice. The ice pushes water under the roof shingles,
leading to leaks and damage indoors. Ice dams also produce weight
that can pull gutters away from your home.
Greater risk of mildew and mold
When gutters are full of debris and water penetrates the attic or roof,
it is the perfect environment for mildew and mold growth. Mildew
and mold will increase extremely fast in wet conditions and can be
undetectable for months. Not only does it rot wood and insulation, but
it can also compromise the interior air quality and the health of your
family, especially those with asthma or allergies.
Insulation Damage and Energy Efficiency
Water that enters your attic due to roof leaks created by clogged gutters
can saturate the insulation. Saturated insulation no longer can keep
heat, leading to increased heating bills during winter and cooling
bills during summer. Damaged insulation has to be replaced, and
this is another cost to maintaining your home in good condition.
Pest infestations
Waterlogged and debris-filled gutters are a paradise for pests such as
mosquitoes, birds, and even rodents. As the fascia and roof edges rot,
they provide pests with an easy entry route into your attic or walls.
Inside, they can cause extra damage by chewing through wires, nesting,
and leaving behind bacteria.
Shorter Roof Life
All the problems that clogged gutters can create roofing damage, shingle
failure, rotting, mold, and ice dams and add stress to your roof. Over
time, this can reduce the roof’s lifespan by several years. What might
have been prevented with regular gutter cleaning can become an
expensive, premature roof replacement.
Shingle and Roof Material Damage
Pool water from rain-filled gutters can compromise your shingles.
The water gets beneath them, destabilizing them and diminishing their
capacity to safeguard your home. This could reduce the life of your
roof and raise your likelihood of requiring a complete roof replacement
sooner than you otherwise would if not fixed.
Structural and Foundation Issues
While roof damage is a priority, clogged gutters will also lead to a
spillover of water on your walls and build up around your foundation.
This will undermine your foundation over time and lead to basement leaks,
cracked walls, and moving foundations.
Final Thought
Gutter clogging is more than just a nuisance it can lead to disastrous
roof destruction and expensive repair. Regular gutter cleaning,
especially in spring and fall, averts all these problems and keeps your
roof in excellent condition all year round.
Call to Action
Don’t let clogged gutters put your roof at risk. Call Straight Path
Construction today for a free estimate or professional gutter cleaning in Calgary.
