How Gutters Affect Roofs

Possible damage from clogged gutters roof leaks.

How gutters affect roofs.

Without any layer of protection clogging becomes a threat. The roof depot inc one of the premier roofing companies in the area explains how gutters influence the condition of your roof. Your home s gutter system is designed to reduce the amount of water in the soil near your foundation. Most gutter systems are open channels that allow wind to blow dirt tree branches and other debris into them.

It captures the water that flows off your roof when there is rainfall or when the snow on it melts and redirects it away from your foundations. If the gutters are left unrepaired for a long time the water can cause the foundation to erode as well. The water will also leak down the outside of the home causing stains and mildew growth on the siding. That s why maintaining your gutters are so essential.

Gutters help extend the lifespan of these elements. Standing water and moist areas of debris can also cause mold or mildew to grow on and under the roofing. Cracks and dips can eventually lead to the structure s collapse if it s not taken care of. When exposed to all of the water that can flow through a gutter worse if there s a clog and the gutter fills like a bathtub your shingles will wick water up like a straw.

In some markets you ll see roofers drop shingles down into the gutter. Leaves twigs dust animal feathers and small nests are the most common causes for gutter clogging when they settle inside the pipes they absorb moisture and form an obstacle in front of the water pouring down on the sides of the roof. Here our gutters des moines experts explain how damaged gutters can affect the condition of your roof. Once leaves twigs and other debris accumulate in the area water won t flow as it should instead it will settle in the area.

You ll see flooding in the basement a decrease in the soil level and your house may develop structural decay. Clogged gutters essentially gutters are open channels half tubes that tend to collect airborne and falling debris. Water will then overflow and spill. Instead of flowing down and away from the structure the water will collect and stagnate compromising the roof s integrity as the water further soaks into it.

Your roof is the first surface damaged when your gutters need replacing. Here is how gutter faults affect overall roof health. Overall the role of gutters is to protect the interior of your home from water intrusion by protecting elements of your exterior. Gutters are often left bare which means blown away debris can freely enter the system.

When it is raining and your gutter system is clogged the water trapped in your gutter tends to move upward and will find its way to infiltrate even the tiniest gap on your roof. However a gutter system in poor working order can damage your foundations. Any damage to your gutters can have a very negative effect on the condition of your roof. Not good to start off with a new roof and gutters with this problem built in.