Rosie's Roofing and Restoration Atlanta

WHAT IGNORING YOUR GUTTERS IN THE FALL CAN DO TO YOUR HOME!

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Many would agree that fall, is in fact, the most wonderful time of the year. We gain relief from the smothering heat and the spectacle of turning leaves looks stunning. But homeowners see fall as a double-edged season because that same gorgeous foliage is about to fill up their gutters. You may be tempted to let the leaves fall where they may this year, but failing to clear your gutters during and after fall could be one of the worst things you can do to your home. Gutter maintenance is a must. Here’s what clogged gutters can do if you ignore them.

Damage Your Foundation

Rain gutters serve an important function in maintaining the integrity of your home. Designed to channel water off the roof and away from the foundation, they must remain clear in order to do their jobs. If a large volume of water running off your roof soaks into the ground around the foundation or concrete slab, it puts pressure on the wall or undermines the slab. Cracks can open up and widen with each rainfall. Should the ground freeze, the expansion bears hard on the concrete. Any water in cracks will widen them.

Rot Your Fascia and Soffit Boards

If water can’t flow properly off the roof, it can leak behind the gutters and begin to rot the fascia boards supporting them and the soffit boards under the eaves. With enough rot, the weight of full gutters can pull them off the house.

Back Up into Your Attic

Water overflowing clogged gutters and downspouts can even work its way up under the decking boards and run into the attic. Soffits slanted towards the outer wall can allow the water to run into the house, ruining drywall.

Naturally, mosquitoes and other water-loving insects will find a happy breeding environment in a trough filled with wet leaves. Plugged gutters can even attract termites to the party.

WHAT IGNORING YOUR GUTTERS IN THE FALL CAN DO TO YOUR HOME!

Rot the Edges of Your Roof

Water unable to drain away quickly at the eaves can deteriorate the edges of the roofing system. Moisture that can’t quickly evaporate begins to eat up asphalt shingles and the asphalt-impregnated underlayment. Eventually, the edges of the decking boards will delaminate and fall apart, as well.

Rust Out Steel Gutters

Standing water in steel gutters will eventually find little chips in the paint and begin to rust through. As this continues to happen the integrity of the gutters will likely be compromised.

Invite Insects

Naturally, mosquitoes and other water-loving insects will find a happy breeding environment in a trough filled with wet leaves. Plugged gutters can even attract termites to the party.

While the importance of cleaning out the gutters periodically throughout the fall can’t be understated, it’s hardly a fun chore. Many homeowners have gutter protection systems installed to keep as much leaf debris out as they can for as long as possible. With a multitude of products available, you can find one at a price point right for you.

Rosie’s Roofing and Restoration installs gutters and gutter covers. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff looks forward to helping you keep your gutters clear and your roof in top shape. So, if you’re looking for a locally-owned and operated roofing company, please give us a call today to schedule your appointment before the leaves begin to fall in your neighborhood.

Looking for a locally-owned and operated roofing company? Contact us

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