Almost everybody knows the roof is one of the most important parts of the home. That’s why people invest money each year to inspect and fix their roofs. And while most of their efforts are focused on things like replacing missing shingles and fixing holes, they tend to forget about the gutters.
However, leaky gutters can have devastating consequences. But why is that the case, and what can you do about it?
What Causes Your Gutters to Leak?
The main purpose of gutters is to prevent water damage by collecting and diverting water during storms. Over time, your gutters become less reliable and could end up breaking entirely. Additionally, rocks, dirt, leaves, and other debris can accumulate in the gutters, eventually clogging them. When that happens, water tries to find other ways to escape, often leaking from the top of the gutter or creating enough pressure to puncture the gutter.
Why Are Leaky Gutters Dangerous to Your Home?
Here are just a few things that can happen to your home and lead to expensive damage, when your gutters are not doing their job properly:
- Roof damage and leaks
- Water infiltration and flooding
- Soil erosion
- Damage to your landscape and garden
- Gutters falling off due to water weight
- Water pooling near and undermining the foundations
- Standing water which leads to ice dams
- Stains on concrete
How Do I Know If My Gutters Are Leaking?
Generally speaking, it’s easy to find out if you are dealing with leaky gutters. All you need to do is to walk around your home after a rain and look for any water dripping from where it shouldn’t. Additionally, look for water pools or stains on slabs or siding, as those are also signs of leaky gutters. And lastly, since water can run inside your walls, don’t forget to check your basement for dampness or flooding.
What Can You Do About It?
Overall, leaky gutters can cause a lot of water damage to your home, especially during severe storms and snowfalls. And while you could patch your gutters temporarily, eventually you will need a gutter replacement. What’s more, you need to fix them as soon as you find any sign of leaks, no matter how big or small, otherwise, you will have huge expenses later on.
That’s where professional contractors, such as Tadlock Roofing, come in. We specialize in all sorts of roofing repairs, including gutter installation, maintenance, and gutter replacement. With our help, you will be able to sit back and relax knowing that your gutters and roof are once again protecting your home.
It’s time to act and save your home from water damage!
