How Gutters Affect Roofs

Clogged gutters that aren t draining properly can cause roof leaks which may cause major damage.

How gutters affect roofs.

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. Overall the role of gutters is to protect the interior of your home from water intrusion by protecting elements of your exterior. Standing water and moist areas of debris can also cause mold or mildew to grow on and under the roofing.

You ll see flooding in the basement a decrease in the soil level and your house may develop structural decay. Most gutter systems are open channels that allow wind to blow dirt tree branches and other debris into them. Possible damage from clogged gutters roof leaks. Without any layer of protection clogging becomes a threat.

Once leaves twigs and other debris accumulate in the area water won t flow as it should instead it will settle in the area. Gutters help extend the lifespan of these elements. Any damage to your gutters can have a very negative effect on the condition of your roof. Here our gutters des moines experts explain how damaged gutters can affect the condition of your roof.

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. 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. Your roof receives direct water from rain and if your gutters are clogged water won t drain properly which only means one thing trouble for your roof. Clogged gutters essentially gutters are open channels half tubes that tend to collect airborne and falling debris.

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. 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. In some markets you ll see roofers drop shingles down into the gutter. Water drains from your roof into your gutter system and is then diverted away from your home s structure through the downspouts.

Your roof is the first surface damaged when your gutters need replacing. Gutters are often left bare which means blown away debris can freely enter the system. That s why maintaining your gutters are so essential. However a gutter system in poor working order can damage your foundations.

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. Here is how gutter faults affect overall roof health. Water will then overflow and spill.