The Dangers of an Ill-Maintained Gutter System

It’s important to know what’s at risk if you don’t properly maintain your gutters. Without regular maintenance performed by an experienced gutter contractor, your gutters may develop problems that could put your home at risk. This is because the gutter system drains water from the residence that would otherwise damage it.

Here are the issues that can develop if you fail to maintain your gutters:

Leaks

The biggest problem for roofs and siding is a leaking gutter system. When your gutters leak, water seeps in and can damage the roof decking, attic, siding and even your home’s foundation.

Overloading and Clogging

When leaves and shingle granules accumulate in the gutter, they can cause blockages. These build up over time, preventing your gutters from draining water properly.  This leads to standing water that, apart from being a breeding ground for mold and other vermin, adds unnecessary weight to your gutters, which is a hazard.

Ice Dams

Ice dams can develop when your gutters are clogged. The added wait of the ice dam can slowly pull down on the system and cause it to sag. You can avoid this by installing a heated gutter system.

Flooded Basement

A faulty gutter can’t drain water properly away from your home. This can lead to a flooded basement, which is a headache no homeowner ever wants to deal with. If you find excessive moisture in your basement, consider a gutter inspection.

Soffit and Fascia Rot

The roof can sustain serious damage in places other than the decking. Unless you’ve installed Gutter Helmet systems to prevent gutter clogging, you risk damaging the soffit and fascia. These two areas are the most susceptible to water damage, both from weight overload and leaks.

Let Gutter Helmet of Eastern NY help you maintain your gutters properly. Call us at (866) 252-9400 now to talk about your needs and get your FREE estimate.