Categories Home Maintenance, Home safety

The Top Five Causes of Water Damage

Have you checked your gutters lately? Chances are it’s been a while. Don’t beat yourself up, it’s an area that most homeowners tend to overlook or flat out ignore.

If done correctly, and regularly, gutter maintenance is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to prevent costly water damage.

Regardless of what condition your gutters are in, here are some of the top causes of water damage and what you can do to prevent it.

 

Top Five Causes of Water Damage and Why Gutters Matter

 

1. Leaks and Holes

Even the tiniest of leaks can lead to massive water damage for your home. Try a simple tube of gutter sealant (about $5) for smaller holes and leaks.

In addition, large gaps may require metal patching — luckily most hardware stores offer gutter “patching kits.” Give extra attention to basements and bathrooms when looking for problem areas.

 

2. Misaligned Pitches

In order for water to flow properly from your gutters, they must be pitched properly. The general rule of thumb is ¼ inch of sloping per every 10 feet.

Not sure if they’re sloped correctly? The easiest way to tell is to check for standing water after some rainfall.

Correcting the pitching can be a big project, potentially requiring you to remove and reattach parts of the gutter. So it may be best to call in an expert to make sure the job is done to perfection and save you from future issues.

 

3. Clogs

This is the most common cause of water damage.

And it can arise from many problems—twigs, leaves, critters, debris after rain can all get stuck in your gutters and drains. Leave it unanswered for too long and you’ll get sagging gutters, or worse, completely broken ones.

Aim to clean them out once or twice a year, maybe even more if your home is surrounded by trees. Also, take caution after big storms and check your gutters for debris. If you find that clogged gutters is a chronic problem, consider fitting them for mesh screens, grates or porous foam.

 

4. Sagging

This is potentially a side effect of clogged gutters or simply the passage of time. But whatever the case may be, they can be dangerous.

You will end up with deterioration of the fasteners or hangers, or the fasteners will spread too far apart, and thus be unable to support the weight of the gutter.

Can’t tell if they’re sagging? It’s easy to tell—they should be completely straight, except for exceptionally long gutters, which may have a peak in the middle to encourage water flow.

Notice problems? It’s an easy fix: new fasteners and hangers are easily accessible at most hardware stores for just a few dollars.

 

 

5. Downspout Drainage

If your downspout is too close to your home, water will leak straight into your foundation and basement.

Additionally, downspouts can suffer blockage easily; relieve the burden by disconnecting your downspout and seeing if it ejects water a few feet from your home to a sloping surface.

Ideally, downspouts should extend 4-5 feet from your home, and you can purchase them for roughly $20 each.

 

 

Don’t get stuck in a water rut! Take some preventative measures to avoid the costly repairs of water damage and protect your home from this silent enemy. Checking and cleaning out your gutters regularly will save you time and money down the road.

 

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We cover gutter and drainage inspections for homeowners, buyers AND sellers. So schedule an inspection today or get a quick quote!

 

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Categories Home safety

7 Ways Clogged Gutters Damage Your Home

clogged gutters

Clogged gutters usually fall at the bottom of the list when considering potential home problems. However, issues stemming from clogged gutters can do plenty of silent damage that will cost you big.

When left untreated, clogged gutters can lead to expensive repairs for damages ranging from roof leaks to foundation damage.

If you have forgotten to tackle your gutter cleaning this season check out some of the more serious issues your home could face if not done soon.

How Clogged Gutters Damage Your Home

1. Expect roof leaks

When your gutters can’t carry rainwater away, it will sit until it becomes too heavy and eventually make its way inside your home. Water dripping from your ceiling is a telltale sign of gutter issues.

 

2. Mold accumulation

Standing water will lead to mold — it’s only a question of time. You don’t want to see mold begin to breed inside your roof, attic, or walls of your home. You’ll have a whole new set of problems.

 

3. Wood damage

Standing water and mold growth will wear away at your home’s wood. It will get soggy and start to rot, which when left too long can eventually deteriorate your home’s structure.

 

4. Landscape issues 

Clogged gutters can cause water to spill over the sides onto shrubs or flower beds below around the base of your home. All of your hard work will go to waste after just one rainstorm thanks to faulty gutters.

 

5. Compromised foundation

Pooled water that sits around the foundation can cause cracks over time, and in more serious instance eventually lead to collapse.

In any case, protecting your home’s foundation is essential to having a functioning home.

 

6. Ice dams

Clogged gutters highly increase the chance of ice dam formation. Ice dams can lift roof shingles (allowing water inside your home), get insulation wet and lead to mold growth, or completely destroy your gutter altogether.

 

7. Welcomes uninvited guests

Mosquitoes and other pests sure do love standing water. Stagnant puddles are inviting for mosquitoes, termites, carpenter ants, and other unwanted guests.  

They’re likely to lay their eggs there, and you’ll be hosting an entire colony of pests in no time.

 

Things to Keep in Mind

If you decide to go the DIY route and tackle the gutter cleaning yourself, there are a few items you should consider:

  • Always go with a partner
  • Use a safe/secure ladder
  • Wear rubber soled shoes, gloves, and safety goggles
  • Get a gutter scoop and utilize a garden hose
  • Rake or power wash the roof
  • Watch out for power lines

Even if you have gutter guards there can still be debris trapped underneath.

Professional gutter cleaners will remove all debris from the roof, gutters, and downspouts. They will also do an overall check of the gutters and repair any loose gutter spikes.

Sometimes it’s well worth it to pay a professional to ensure your safety and the job is done properly.

 

Clogged gutters aren’t just an eyesore; we can see the proof is in the pudding. Don’t leave your gutters unattended for too long or you’ll be facing some serious troubles.

 

We’re Here to Help!

If you come across anything concerning or you want a professional opinion don’t hesitate to call us today!  

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