While maintaining your property throughout the year in Amarillo, Texas, it can be easy to neglect certain areas that aren’t always in use or in sight each day. Many homeowners in Texas make the mistake of failing to clean out their rain gutters, even though there’s rain year-round in the local area. Although it may not seem like a minor component of the home, the rain gutters can lead to a few major issues if they’re clogged.
1. Leaks and Standing Water
When your rain gutters are clogged with leaves and debris, they can prevent rainwater from flowing freely off of the roof. When the water has nowhere to go, it can sit on top of the roof for long periods of time. When standing water is present on the structure, it can gradually lead to leaks that develop in different parts of the home.
It’s important for the rain gutters to always be clear to ensure water is properly drained off the roof and can be redirected away from the foundation of the home. This is an easy way to avoid expensive roof repairs and can increase the lifespan of the roofing materials. When leaks are present, you’ll need to hire a roofer from a company like Dennis Heggie Roofing in Amarillo to repair the structure.
2. Pests and Critters
When there’s a lot of debris and waste that has accumulated in your rain gutters, it’ll start to attract pests and critters who are looking for food and shelter. Termites are known to inhabit the rain gutters and can start to cause damage to the home as they feast on wood materials. Rats can also find their way into clogged rain gutters and eventually look for shelter inside of the building.
3. Foundation Damage
Foundation damage is one of the most expensive parts of failing to clean your gutters. When the water isn’t directed away from the building, it can start to pool onto the foundation. When the foundation of the home is damaged, it can cost thousands of dollars to repair and affects the property value. There may also be cracks and shifts that develop in the surrounding sidewalks and driveway, which will start to affect your home’s curb appeal.
4. Flooding in the Basement
Homeowners are also surprised when their basement starts to flood due to clogged gutters that don’t allow water to run through. The water will start to seep into the basement, which can cause damage to your personal belongings. Mildew and mold also start to develop after a few days, which can put your family’s health at risk. Mold and water damage are significant issues that require hiring a professional to assist in reversing the damage.
If you want to learn more about the dangers of having clogged gutters, reach out to our team at Dennis Heggie Roofing in Amarillo. Our roofers will be happy to answer your questions.
