How the Homeowner Can Maintain the Home’s Gutters in Order to Avoid Water Damage

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton offers tips on how homeowners can prevent water damage by practicing gutter maintenance on their Farmers Branch, TX, homes.

When gutters fail to perform their intended task, water damage clean up in Farmers Branch, TX, may be needed. Not only do gutters contribute to the overall aesthetic beauty of a home, but these drains also serve a vital functional purpose for the home. Gutters are designed to capture roof rainwater or snowmelt and divert it away from the foundation. Downspouts, also a part of the gutter system, are attached to the gutters at strategic points. These vertical drains channel water into extensions that take the water a safe distance from the home’s foundation.

When the gutter system fails to accomplish its mission, water will pool around the foundation, resulting in a cascade of problems. A failure in the gutter system can impact the foundation, roof, wood fascia, and landscaping.

Why Gutter Systems Fail

In many cases, the main reason the gutter system fails to accomplish its mission is the lack of proper maintenance. Effective gutter maintenance will be in sync with the changing of the seasons. The age of the roof and the proximity of trees to the home must also be considered when formulating a gutter maintenance schedule.  Debris-laden gutters are not able to function at peak performance. Leaves, twigs, and shingle sediment — the sand-like grit that separates from asphalt shingles — can impede or completely block the flow of water through the gutter system. The result is that rainwater overflows the gutters, potentially damaging the home’s foundation and siding.

Clogged Gutters and Foundation Water Damage

When the soil around the foundation becomes saturated with water, the risk for foundation damage increases. The moisture-laden dirt exerts pressure on the foundation, and over time, the cumulative impact of the stress on the walls can cause the walls to bow inward, eventually cracking and fissuring along weak points in the foundation’s structure.

These fissures or tiny cracks in the foundation walls allow water to seep into the crawl space or basement. Structural instability in the foundation can impact the entire structure.

Clogged Gutters and Water-Damaged Landscaping

Landscape features, such as herb gardens, flower beds, shrubbery, and trees located near the home’s perimeter, can suffer water damage when clogged gutters overflow or downspouts become disconnected and spill roof water close to the foundation. The excess moisture in the soil can actually stress landscape plants that need less rather than more water. Too much water can ruin a low-maintenance, low moisture landscape planting plan. Moisture-intolerant plants will turn brown and wither, much like plants undergoing drought stress. If the brown, withered plants are flexible and leathery rather than crisp and crumbling, the problem could be too much moisture. The replacement cost for a mature shrub or bush could be hundreds of dollars.

Clogged Gutters and a Water-Damaged Roof

Water from clogged gutters can backup and damage the roof structure. Excess water from the gutters can cause wood rot in the facia and soffits. Roof decking and structural timbers near the gutters can also become water-logged and deteriorate. This type of water damage can be difficult to spot until the issue is advanced. An annual roof inspection from a reliable roofing contractor is a good investment of time and money. Many roofing contractors provide complimentary inspections upon request.

Clogged Gutters and Interior Water Damage

When water gushes out of clogged gutters, it can travel down the siding. If the integrity of the siding is compromised, the water can penetrate the siding, damaging plywood or OSB sheeting. The excess water can stain and warp walls, ceilings, and baseboards, and flooring near the walls can warp, buckle, and rot. Windows and doors can suffer water damage from water running down the siding. An occasional inspection of window and door trim, ceilings, walls, and flooring is recommended. Warping, soft flooring, water stains, and a mildew or mold smell are indications of water damage and need immediate attention.

Proactive Gutter Maintenance Strategies

Unstopping stopped up gutters requires periodic maintenance. Scheduled cleanouts in the spring and the fall are recommended. Homes with deciduous (leaf-bearing) trees near the roof may need multiple cleanouts during the autumn months. Safety while inspecting the roof and cleaning gutters is crucial to prevent personal injuries and damage to the home. Hire a reputable professional to clean out the gutters since the consequences of a DIY project gone wrong can be serious.

Trees add aesthetic and monetary value to a home. However, a consultation with a certified arborist may reveal that some trees are too close to the house and need to be trimmed or removed entirely for the safety of the home and its occupants.

The homeowner who discovers water damage or mold damage due to clogged gutters, roof damage, or a burst water pipe can trust the cleanup and restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Carrollton. A rapid 24/7/365 response, including on holidays, speaks volumes about SERVPRO’s commitment to service.

To learn more about Farmers Branch, TX, water damage restoration, contact SERVPRO of Carrollton by email at office@SERVPRO10952.com. The office can also be reached by calling (972) 446-0383.