Clogged Gutters and Water Damage

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Clogged Gutters and Water Damage

A painted seamless gutter on a house is aesthetically pleasing to eye and adds to a home’s curb appeal, but gutters serve a greater purpose than looks when it comes to protecting your home from water damage. 

Gutters are designed to transport rain water from the roof to the downspouts and away from the home.  A gutter system that becomes clogged with leaves and debris such twigs, and nuts can lead to significant damage to a home.  Most people don’t realize the large volume of rain water that is moved by the gutters.  Every square foot of the roof collects six gallons of water in 1 inch of rainfall.   1800 square feet of roof transports a staggering 10,800 gallons per inch of rain.  When the gutter becomes clogged the water can only flow over the sides, or back up behind the gutter, causing damage to the fascia and roof deck boards.  When these areas get wet it can lead to leaks, mold and long term wood rot.  

Water Damage due to clogged gutters is not limited to just rainwater, a clogged gutter can also lead to ice damning in the winter.  This is where the water in the gutter track freezes, and pushes the shingles up as it expands when it freezes.  When it melts the roof deck and or ceiling of the home becomes wet.  

To prevent water damage from clogged gutters it vital that the gutters be cleaned of debris.  Another solution is to have gutter guards or caps placed on the gutters to eliminate anything other than water from entering the gutter. 

If you are experiencing water damage due to a clogged gutter system, SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County can help once the gutter system has been cleaned, by properly drying the structure and performing any necessary mold remediation.