The Effects of Poor Gutter Maintenance on Your Roof

Here’s what you need to know about how failing to care for your gutters can lead to significant roof and home damage. 

Mold and Mildew

When your gutters are not clean, or when the slope is not sufficient enough to allow water to drain properly, mold and mildew can quickly become a serious issue. In order for your gutters to do their job, they need to be kept clean and properly sloped. Otherwise, rather than flowing through the gutter system as intended, water will back up in the system and become stagnant, which creates the perfect breeding ground for all forms of mold. If there is a tiny hole or opening, that mold can easily spread into your home’s walls, as well. To prevent this, clean your gutters at least twice each year, and have your gutters and roof inspected at least once each year to ensure that everything is flowing as it should. 

Water Leaks

If water cannot flow through your gutters and instead becomes backed up, this can cause serious problems to occur. When your gutters do not properly drain, the water that is trapped in the gutter system can eventually find its way into gaps in your home’s exterior. The severity of the issue depends on factors like the shape and pitch of your home’s roof, but in the worst cases, water can creep up from the gutters to the roof and create leaks. If you notice wet spots in your attic or on your ceiling, contact a professional right away for gutter and roof repair.

Roof Damage

Mold and water leaks are both very serious issues, but aside from this, bad gutter maintenance can even cause damage to the very structure of your roof and your home. Overflowing and clogged gutters cause water to become trapped on the roof, especially during heavy rain or following a snow or ice storm. Neither your gutters nor your roof was designed to bear the weight of all of that water, and with time, all of that extra weight can cause serious damage - damage that may require several weeks and tens of thousands of dollars to repair. Simple gutter inspections are the best way to prevent this sort of damage from occurring, so contact a pro today to schedule yours. 

Keeping your gutters clean and in good condition ultimately ensures that your roof and your home are both structurally sound. The best ways to prevent any of the problems listed above involve scheduling annual inspections and tune-ups. This way, professionals can spot potential issues before you have to worry about mold, water leaks, or damage to your roof.