Spring weather in Reno, NV is relatively dry, so many homeowners here do not spare a lot of thought for their gutters until something has gone wrong. Unfortunately, clogged gutters can be a problem year-round, and your gutters being clogged can cause damage to various areas of your home and property. Here are some of the common problems that can result from neglecting clogged gutters.

Broken Gutters

Clogged gutters have to contend with the weight of whatever is causing the blockage and the weight of the trapped water. A gallon of water weighs about 8 pounds, so a gutter holding a lot of backed-up water carries a lot of weight. In many cases, the weight of the water is too much for the fixtures, which rip away from the home and bring down the gutter. Roof repair is often necessary to fix the damage.

Damaged Foundation

Rain gutters and downspouts are designed to move water away from the home during storms, but clogged gutters allow the water to spill over the sides and down the walls to the home’s foundation. Excessive water around the foundation can reduce the stability of the surrounding ground, causing the foundation to shift and crack. Extensive damage to the foundation can be a very expensive problem to fix.

Interior Water Leaks

The damage from clogged gutters is not limited to the exterior of the home. Interior water leaks are another common issue caused by clogged gutters. When excess water flows into the home instead of down the exterior walls, it can travel through the walls and down the joists to affect areas of the home that are nowhere near the roof. This water can discolor walls and ceilings, rot wood, and result in the growth of dangerous molds in difficult-to-reach places.

Insect Issues

Pools of water and bundles of debris are perfect breeding grounds for insects and other pests. An insect infestation in your gutters can easily spread to your home, spreading disease and causing other issues that can harm your home and your health. A severe infestation may require the services of a local pest control professional to remedy the problem.

Conclusion

The issues associated with clogged gutters are easily avoided by taking the time to ensure that your gutters are clear and working properly. The professional roofers at Joe’s Roofing recommend taking action as soon as a problem is detected to minimize the amount of damage done to the gutters and the home. For more information about how we can help you maintain your roof and gutters, give us a call today!