Maintaining the gutter system regularly prevents evil things from happening such as overflowing due to clogs. When they overflow occasionally, cleaning the gutters will most likely fix the problem. But when gutters consistently overflow, ignoring the issue can negatively impact your home’s exterior.
Mold Growth
If water from overflowing gutters seeps into places that are not easily reached by air and/or sunlight, mold can start to grow. Once it takes hold, it must be thoroughly cleaned or it will return. Mold poses a serious health issue. Depending on the mold mass and if it’s spread to other places such as the siding or the roof, it will most likely have to be removed by a professional.
Damage to the Roof
Gutters collect rainwater from the roof and direct it through the system, then into the ground. When gutters become clogged, water that has nowhere to go might leak into parts of the roof including the soffit, fascia boards, the roof deck, or the underlayment. Over time, this could cause worn shingles, leaks into the attic and on interior walls/ceilings, and weaken beams and load-bearing walls.
Damage to Foundation/Basement
Often overflowing gutters allow water to run down walls or seep into the basement, causing flooding. If water washes away the soil around the foundation, foundation walls become vulnerable to shifting, leading to cracks and holes.
Concrete Pathways and Driveways
Overflowing gutters can be detrimental to concrete pathways and driveways. While concrete appears invincible, it is actually susceptible to breaking down when water seeps into small cracks or gaps. If the surface of the driveway or sidewalk becomes pitted or severely cracked, it can become a safety risk and will need repairing or replacing.
Siding Damage
Water constantly running down the siding of your home can result in color fading, streaking, and water stains. But isn’t siding supposed to take a few hits? Yes and no – siding is designed to repel water; water damage that causes fading, streaking, or staining compromises the finish, which in turn jeopardizes the siding’s protective qualities. Overflowing gutters can also cause siding to swell – misshaped siding panels with loose nails or screws are perfect entry points for excess moisture.
