The gutters that line your roof collect rainwater, channeling the flow away from your home. During the wet summers here in Marietta, GA, you need clean, efficient gutters to prevent different types of structural damage.
Can clogged gutters cause roof leaks? As the local roof repair experts in Marietta, GA, Georgia Roof Advisors can authoritatively tell you that the answer is a resounding yes. Every year, they see numerous cases of roof leaks which homeowners could have prevented by keeping the gutters clear.
In this post, Georgia Roof Advisors will look at how clogged gutters can cause roof leaks and other types of structural damage.
Gutters allow easy water drainage into the downspouts away from your home as it rains. Clogs in any section of the gutter will inhibit that flow of water. In that scenario, water will always follow the path of least resistance — usually the sides of the gutters and into your roofing.
Your roof will soak up the water flowing into it and dry off when the rains cease. As this cycle continues, your roof’s underlayment will decay, causing leaks into your attic first and then onto your ceiling. So, by the time you see those water stains on your ceiling, a considerable section of your roofing may have already become compromised.
Can clogged gutters cause roof leaks if water can’t enter the roof? It’s highly unlikely unless the roof has damaged sections through which water enters the structure before it even flows down to the gutters.
Other structural problems that may arise due to clogged gutters include the following.
If clogged gutters cause water to spill over the sides, a pool will form around your foundation. The longer the pool stays, the weaker the ground. Over time, erosion will follow, making your foundation walls weaker. If you don’t do anything about it, you’ll spend money on foundation repairs over time.
Gutters overflowing with debris and water will sag and bend due to the extra weight. If the weight is heavy enough, the gutters may break off from the fascia board.
Constant exposure to moisture can also cause your home’s fascia board to rot.
Persistent moisture in your gutters and inside your roofing creates the perfect breeding ground for insects, including cockroaches, flies, bees, termites, ants, mosquitoes, and more.
Mold thrives in moist environments. If water leaks into your Marietta, GA, home due to gutter clogs, you’ll have a mold infestation on your hands. Mold remediation can be challenging in parts of the home, such as the attic.
Clogged gutters can damage your home. If you’re asking, “Can clogged gutters cause roof leaks?” you most likely need gutter cleaning. Call Georgia Roof Advisors today for fast and efficient solutions. Let them help you prevent various types of roof damage in your Marietta, GA, home.