Types of Roof Damage from Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters are a fact of life, right? Most homeowners think so, but it doesn’t have to be. Gutters are difficult to clean, so most people let them sit for months, and the problem gets worse and worse. We recommend getting to it as soon as possible — blocked gutters cause extensive damage to your roof. The kind of harm that you don’t know about until it’s too late.

When gutters clog, your home cannot drain water after heavy rain. If you live in areas frequently hit with summer rain or the occasional tropical storm, it’s especially taxing to your roof and foundation. From leaks to a possible replacement, here are some examples of roof issues that clogged gutters contribute to:

1. Leaks
The telltale sign of gutter congestion is a leaking roof. When gutters can’t do their job, water sits on your roof until it finds a place to go, usually right into your home. It isn’t always easy getting to the top of your home, so the leaks worsen until you get rid of standing water by clearing the gutter blockage.

2. Mold And Water Damage Accumulate
It’s only a matter of time before standing water turns into mold. Mold breeds out of sight and in dark places. When was the last time you inspected the roof or attic, or peeked inside the walls of your home? These are all places where mold grows and you won’t know until it’s a major problem. The only foolproof method for eliminating mold spores is with a specialist or contractor, making the removal very costly, especially when the problem was avoidable to begin with.

3. Shortened Lifespan of Your Roof
When you install a roof, the hope is that it lasts between 15 and 30 years, but not with bad gutters. That expectation shortens as mold and standing water from a poorly draining roof lead to problems that create irreversible damage. Long-term effects mean the clock runs out faster than you hoped and an expensive roof replacement is on the horizon.

Take Action Now
Now that you know a few of the dangers from clogged gutters, you understand the importance of moving rainwater away from your home. That is easier said than done when cleaning gutters is a difficult and sometimes dangerous job. The easiest way to prevent damage and extend the life of your roof is with the clog-free GutterShutter System. Our system prevents blockage by eliminating vertical openings that invite debris in, while still collecting and moving water away quickly and effectively. Learn more about how the Guttershutter system extends the life of your property and makes maintenance easier by contacting a dealer near you.

Gutter Problems to Watch For

Your home’s exterior requires constant upkeep and there are some features that need extra attention. That includes your gutters. Even with the recommended annual cleaning, traditional gutters are flimsy and accumulate damages due to the buildup of debris, harsh weather and standing water. Keep an eye out for the signs below that indicate your gutters need replacement or more frequent upkeep.

1. Sagging Gutters

It takes a big toll on your drainage system if you let gutters clog with leaves, twigs and other debris. A visible sag or bend in the gutter is your first indicator of a stressed system. It’s caused by too much weight pulling hangers away from the fascia of the house. If left hanging too long, your gutters will soon tear away from your home.

2. Leaks and Holes

Another common problem is are leaks or holes. These problems aren’t as visible as a sag, so look for a stream of water pouring from the middle of your system next time it rains. Holes happen easily due to long-term exposure from outdoor elements that weak gutters can’t withstand.

3. Standing Water

Stagnant water on your property is not good, but particular attention should be given to the water in your roof’s gutters. In the winter, the water creates ice pockets that damage gutter walls and seams due to excess expansion and contraction. In the summer, these pools of water become the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. That means you will battle pests all summer long.

Prevent These Damages

If you see these problems, don’t replace your gutters with the same type of system that created them in the first place. The most convenient way to prevent them in the future is by installing the GutterShutter system. The award-winning GutterShutter leaf and debris protection system is a clog-free gutter system guaranteed to never pull away from the home for the lifetime of the structure!

Learn more about how the Guttershutter system extends the life of your gutters and makes maintenance easier by contacting a dealer near you.

We Answer Common Gutter Fears

What concerns you most about your gutters?

Whether your biggest fear is negative effect on your home or getting on the ladder to clean them out multiple times a year, we’ve heard them all. There are many valid reasons to fear damage to the drainage system attached to your home, and here we answer some of the most common fears we encounter:

Are my gutters structurally sound? 

Typical vinyl siding doesn’t last as long as a solid aluminum system like GutterShutter. If your gutters pull away from the fascia of your home, are sagging, or riddled with holes, then they need to be replaced. That’s because, they fill with debris and become unable to hold the extra weight, suffering damage or potential collapse. Additionally, harsh weather can sometimes lead to issues that are beyond repair.

You can tell if your gutters suffer structural problems by looking at them. Do you see areas where they are breaking away from the roof or beginning to sag? Call GutterShutter right away if you see these signs.

Are they accumulating too much debris?

How often do you clean your gutter system? Most open gutter suppliers will say you only need to clean them out twice a year. Unfortunately, that recommendation doesn’t cut it. Leaving your gutters alone for too long lets other things settle in. For example, letting leaves sit means they start to decompose, creating a perfect environment for mosquitoes and other bugs to lay eggs around your property. As soon as spring hits next year, you’ll already have an infestation.

Next time it rains, take a look at your gutters. Is the water coming through the downspouts, or is it just overflowing off the sides right away? If that is happening, it’s time to call GutterShutter for closed gutter installation.

Will I be able to clean them myself? 

This question is hard to answer, as everyone is different, but we always recommend leaving a gutter cleaning to professionals. Especially, if any disability makes it harder. Ladder falls are some of the most common causes of homeowner injury, but many people don’t think it will happen to them. If you want to avoid hiring a professional, install a GutterShutter system and never have to worry about cleaning out your gutters again!

Contact your nearest GutterShutter Factory Authorized Dealer today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your current gutters and to get an estimate.

Start Your 2020 Home Improvements

It's never too late!

Decide what your home needs:  In order to get the most out of gutter improvements, you must determine exactly what your home needs. Inspect your drainage system with a fine-tooth comb. Look at your basement, roof and yard for signs of water, mold or surface damage. If you see signs of water anywhere around your home it could mean your drainage system isn’t working properly. Better yet, call us for a free inspection.

Additionally, if your gutters are sagging, leaking or clogging then a new gutter system should be at the top of your list.

Decide how it will look:  One of the best things about GutterShutter is, not only does it give you a closed, maintenance-free gutter system,  it also refreshes the look of your home.

Look at our GutterShutter color options and decide which downspout and gutter colors work best. Our handy simulator lets you pick out your home color to see how it looks next to your favorite GutterShutter color option!

Talk to a Pro:
Our representatives don’t exist just to estimate your job, but also share knowledge and expertise. Take advantage of free time during the holidays to get an expert opinion with our free gutter inspections. Our inspections look for damage and clogging you might miss. Not only that, but they can answer any questions you have about our patented system and leave you with a much clearer sense of how GutterShutter works, our high-quality materials and how it can improve the value of your home.

Are you ready to start the beginning phases of your GutterShutter installation? Contact us to start the conversation by sharing your goals and scheduling your FREE no-obligation gutter inspection today.

 

Our flow reducer hood is strategically designed to better manage your water and allow surface tension to bring water into your gutter, while keeping leaves out. The perforated hood helps manage heavy rains.

The award-winning GutterShutter leaf and debris protection system is a clog free gutter system guaranteed to never pull away from the home for the lifetime of the structure.

GutterShutter is North America’s leading manufacturer of Leaf & Debris Free systems. We use only the highest quality materials. Our manufacturing facility utilizes cutting edge technology, to ensure precision.