It’s pretty much common knowledge that you should keep your gutters clean, but have you wondered what happens if you don’t? Read on as A Old Time Roofing discusses what happens to the roof when clogged gutters are left uncleaned.
Clogged Gutters and Your Roof
Dirt, leaves and debris make their way into the gutters all the time. Left on its own, clogging is only inevitable, and this is when it starts causing the following problems for the roof:
Roof leaks. Gutters are expected to route rainwater away from the roof and towards the drains. Given its proximity to the roof’s edge, clogged waters will cause rainwater to overflow, as well as backflow into the roof’s edge. When this happens, rainwater will make its way into the decking, then framing, then into the house itself.
Wood rot. Most parts of the roof framing is made of timber, which makes them vulnerable to rot when in prolonged contact with moisture. While most roofing systems are protected from moisture infiltration, water can make its way through the roof’s edge as described above. The most exposed part of the roof framing is the fascia, or the vertical boards where the gutters are attached to. Unchecked, wood rot can weaken the roof’s structure and lead to collapse.
Mold. Another consequence of water infiltration is it can let mold grow in hidden areas like the gaps in the walls where there is little to no light. Over time, mold can spread through the house and affect indoor air quality, as well as trigger respiratory diseases.
Pest infestation. Heat and moisture in an enclosed space attract pests, from mosquitoes to rodents. Like moisture, pests can infiltrate a building unnoticed, and only make their presence known when they start to spread indoors.
Preventative Measures
Taking preventative measures can help prevent the problems described above. These problems don’t happen overnight, and you only need to have your gutters cleaned at least once a year. We often get asked when is the right time to clean the gutters, and there’s no single answer because every home is different. The type of roofing, the local climate, the presence of trees in the yard — all of these affect how fast the gutters become full. The best way to determine when the gutters to be cleaned is by checking the gutters every once in a while.
If you need help with your gutters’ upkeep, our team at A Old Time Roofing can help. Give us a call at (727) 824-9996, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.