When a person thinks of clogged gutters and the damage they can cause to a home, the roof and foundation often come to mind. However, clogged gutters cause numerous other problems for a homeowner. The following are some problems a person may not know can be caused by gutters that don’t drain properly.
Driveway and Sidewalk Damage
Driveways and sidewalks are expected to endure significant wear and tear. People often don’t pay attention to these landscape features other than to use them on a daily basis. However, when the driveway or sidewalk is damaged, and somebody slips and falls, they quickly come to realize they have a problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
Clogged gutters may lead to uneven sidewalks and driveways. What do gutters have to do with these features?
Poor drainage is a key reason for damaged driveways and sidewalks. While the materials used to create these features are designed to withstand the elements, excessive water can harm them. Clogged gutters may deposit water sideways and driveways rather than directing this water away from home.
In addition, drain spouts need to move water away from these features, so they don’t sustain damage. If water is allowed to remain on and around sidewalks and driveways, soil washout and erosion become concerns. If enough of the soil supporting the driveway or sidewalk shifts, the homeowner might find the sidewalk or driveway is sinking, or the slabs are no longer even.
Uneven and sinking slabs may lead to a surface that is a hazard. A person could trip over a slab and be injured. In addition, the water may pool in uneven areas and serve as a hazard. Not only could someone slip on this water, but it serves as the perfect place for mosquitoes and other pests to breed. A comprehensive gutter cleaning can prevent these issues.
Pest Infestations
Clogged gutters attract a variety of pests for several reasons. These critters will find everything they need in a gutter that is retaining water. This includes moisture to keep them hydrated and a food source in the form of acorns, pine needles, and more.
Furthermore, a clogged gutter provides the pests with safety and shelter. When they build a nest in a gutter, there are fewer directions from which a predator can attack. They feel safe and secure in their new home.
Many animals like to make their homes in clogged gutters. Mice, for example, take up residence in a gutter before moving into the attic of the home as the weather turns colder. Birds move into a clogged gutter because they have a ready supply of twigs, leaves, and other materials that they can use to make a nest.
Stinging insects are another type of pest found in gutters that are clogged, although they will also make their home in a gutter that is free and clear. Mosquitoes and snakes are two additional types of animals that make a home in a gutter.
Minimize the risk of a pest infestation by keeping the gutters clean. As these pests can do damage to a home, the sooner the problem is resolved, the safer the home will be for both the structure and the residents.
Fire Hazard
Most people wouldn’t think clogged gutters are a fire hazard. Gutters collect more than water. They also hold leaves, twigs, pine needles, and more. This plant debris is what makes a clogged gutter a fire hazard.
During periods of little rain, any plant material in the gutter dries out. It then serves as effective tinder for a fire. Although this type of fire isn’t common, nobody wants to be the one that learns their home burned down because they neglected to clean the gutters.
Imagine the hot sun beating down on metal gutters. This heats the gutter. If reflected sunlight converges on the gutter in the right way, the dried leaves may spark. This fire will then spread to the roof and the home itself.
The lighting of fireworks may also lead to a fire caused by debris in the gutter. These fireworks often send sparks and embers into the air, just as a bonfire or barbecue on the property might. It only takes one small ember to make its way into the clogged gutter, and a fire could break out.
Sadly, people often don’t realize the home is on fire until significant damage has been done. They attribute the burning smell in the air to the fireworks, the bonfire, or their barbecue. When they realize the home is on fire, the only they can do is to move away from the residence and hope the fire department gets there in time to save the home and prevent injuries.
Clean the gutters regularly to prevent a fire hazards. Most people remain unaware of this danger, which needs to change. Until it does, this is the best way to protect the home and those who live within.
Landscaping Damage
When the gutters are clogged, and water doesn’t move away from the home as it should, the landscaping may be damaged. Plants, flowers, and trees need water to survive. However, water coming out of clogged gutters is often more than it can handle.
In addition, the excess water can wash mulch away, and pests may be attracted to the home. Once they arrive, they could take up residence in the clogged gutters, as previously mentioned.
If the landscape is damaged, the curb appeal of the home declines. The homeowner will need to clean the gutters and remove any dead or dying landscape features. They then have the expense of replacing these features. If they decide not to replace them, a new landscape plan must be developed.
These are only a few of the many problems caused by clogged gutters. Others include a wet basement, fascia damage, and a higher risk of ice dams.
Although gutters may not add to the curb appeal of a home, they do an important job and must be cared for properly. Cleaning the gutters is one task that many homeowners don’t feel comfortable tackling. Don’t leave them clogged. Call a professional to do this work and protect the home and all who live in it.
