How Much do Gutters Really Protect Your Home?

Gutters aren’t typically on a homeowners mind. Burnt out light bulbs, sure. Weird noises when running water, sure. But gutters? They don’t immediately impact a homeowner as the damage doesn’t jump out in front of them.

The damage is normally gradual. In other words, gutters are out of sight, out of mind. The problem with this is that gutters are one of the most crucial assets to a home. Without proper gutter protection, a home can be easily damaged – costing the homeowner more than he would have ever thought possible.

How bad could it really be? What type of damage are we talking about? Well, possible issues include all of the following:

Flooding

A lack of proper rain mitigation can cause pools of water to build up around a home’s foundation and/ or basement. This water can seep into the home in many different ways allowing the home and/or basement to flood.

Damaged Foundation

The entire purpose of gutters is to deter water away from your home. When they aren’t working properly due to a leak or debris build up/ clogging, the water has nowhere to go other than where nature puts it. This could be in pools around your roof or foundation. Water then easily seeps into the foundation causing it to crack and even mold to form.

Mold

As mentioned above, water seeping into your home and remaining moist in areas that are supposed to be dry causes mold to flourish. This is especially true in crawl spaces and basements. Mold isn’t good for you or your family to inhale.

Paint and Siding Damage

Just as with the foundation and basement, if the water isn’t directed away from the home due to a leak or overflowing circumstances, the water will drip down your house’s siding and or paint. The moisture will permeate these areas causing a great deal of damage.

Harm to the Wood

Homes with wood foundations could also have multiple issues if water is not draining appropriately. Water will bleed into and saturate the house. Over time, the wood will rot which could result in foundation and structure damage.

Insect Infestation

Bugs thrive in an environment full of moisture. This means that they will love your consistently wet gutters if they are not properly maintained. Some insects carry harmful diseases.

Sidewalk/Driveway Damage

Just like the cracks in a house’s foundation, water build up can cause sagging and cracked concrete in other areas, such as, your sidewalks and driveways. Not to mention, these can be slippery.

Drowned Landscaping

When water doesn’t flow away from the house properly, it might pool or leak onto the landscape. This can cause plants to drown.

So, although gutter damage doesn’t inhibit your vision like a burnt out light bulb, or give you shivers like a blown heater, they are pertinent to the well being of your home. Don’t let them go un-maintained. For more information about gutter cleaning or gutter repair at your home, contact your local experts at Gutter Professionals, Inc.

 

POSTED ON January 31, 2017 // 0 COMMENTS