The Many Dangers of Clogged Gutters

The purpose of gutters is to collect water and direct it away from a house and its foundation. Gutters cannot perform their intended service if they become clogged. Instead, water will be rerouted to an area of lesser resistance. If this happens, your house is at risk for many problems both inside and out.

Leaves, twigs, and debris are all natural environmental elements that clog gutters and are difficult to avoid. Once they are present in your gutter, they soak up water causing an immense amount of weight on the system. Gutters are not meant to withstand this weight and will eventually pull away from the house and fall down. Not only can this cause a broken gutter but potentially damage roofing, trim, windows or lighting as well.

Overflowing water from clogged gutters can also do major structural damage. Since the water is not being routed correctly, it can damage the paint and siding on your home. If the siding is damaged, there is a good possibility of water leaking in, which will result in rotting wood.

When water is not properly drained away from the home, flooding can occur around the foundation. Pools of water can collect and if they freeze, can cause cracks. Cracks in the foundation allow water to seep into your basement. Improper water drainage is the #1 cause of leaky basements and can be avoided if you take precaution.

We know that clogged gutters can cause damage to homes, but also keep in mind that it can ruin landscape as well. Flooded landscaping can result in erosion and death to plants.

If your gutters are clogged, there are steps you can take to correct the problem before damage is done. You will need a ladder, gloves, a small hand rake or garden trowel, grocery bags, and a hose. Start by positioning the ladder on the length of the gutter (you can start anywhere) and make sure it is secure. Proceed up the ladder and rake the debris within the gutter to a spot that you can remove it. Take the debris in handfuls and put it into the grocery bag. Once it is full, tie it up and drop it to the ground. Make sure when you are raking the debris that you do not allow any of it to fall into the downspout of the gutter. Once you clean the entire length of the gutter, take a hose and clear out any leftover debris. If there is an area that the hose can’t clear, you can try a plumber’s snake to unclog the gutter. Cleaning your gutters should be done at least 3 times a year and will keep your home clear of unwanted damages.

S&K’s No Worry Covered Gutter Protection System

Don’t want to climb ladders and clean gutters a few times a year? Have S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows install our exclusive No Worry Covered Gutter Protection System. No Worry Gutters are designed to eliminate the need for manual labor, meaning less stress for you. No Worry Gutters have an aluminum hood that covers the gutter trough which forms a molecular bond with the water, directing it, but not debris, into the gutter. The technology also has a unique design that tucks under the drip edge of your existing roof, causing the speed of water flow to slow. The best part of No Worry Gutters is the lifetime warranty. Having this system will benefit your home and give you more free time. Give S&K a call today for a free No Worry Gutter estimate at 866-836-7663.