Gutter Damage After A Storm Can be Costly

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

Most homeowners in Greene County make the common mistake of not checking out their home’s or businesses' roofs after a severe weather event. That’s an omission that could cost you dearly in the future.

Rain, snow, hail, sleet, and high winds can cause gutter damage. Some of that damage is easy to spot, like downspouts that have detached and tumbled over. But sometimes storm gutter damage is difficult to observe as it can be hidden entirely from ground level. If it goes unnoticed, it can cause problems later to your home's interior.

What is Gutter Damage? 

A storm, wind or heavy rain can loosen and bend gutters and downspouts. Here at SERVPRO, we have seen countless damaged gutters, especially if they’re old, in bad condition, and not securely attached. Heavy rains can also wash leaves and dirt into your gutters, causing a potential clog. Once clogged, they no longer carry water away from the roof. When the gutters stop doing the job that they are designed to do, there is a potential for backup and water damage to the roof or interior of your Greene County home. So after a storm passes, it is vital that you have your gutters and roof inspected.

What Can Happen if Gutters Aren’t Repaired

1. Weakened foundation: Depending on the size of your home, every inch of rainfall can translate to over 1000 gallons of water pouring down your roof! When gutters function properly, that water will flow through a downspout and away from your home. But when clogged or damaged or the downspout is detached, water will pour down your walls. Pooling water around your foundation can cause erosion, leading to foundation cracks and settling which can weaken the structure of your home.
2. Additional gutter damage: When your gutters are clogged and the water has no place to go, they can become very heavy. A gallon of water weighs over 8 pounds and just one foot of gutter can hold up to 2 gallons. Add that to the mass of dead leaves and other gunk and you can see how all that extra weight can bend your gutters or tear them away from the roof.
3. Wall and ceiling damage: Trapped water from damaged or clogged gutters can rot the wooden fascia boards your gutters are mounted to, allowing moisture to enter your home. And during our Missouri winters, clogged gutters can help create ice dams which can drive snow melt underneath your shingles.
4. Wet basement: If your basement hasn’t been waterproofed, the water pouring down your foundation due to damaged gutters can seep through your basement’s porous walls and floor, leading to a damp basement. And where it’s damp and dark, mold can easily begin to grow, quickly becoming a problem.
5. Insect invasions: Nobody wants mosquitoes buzzing around in their backyard. But pooling water in broken or clogged gutters is a perfect breeding ground for them. Mud and damp leaves can also be a welcoming spot for bees and wasps to build their nests.

As you’ve probably noticed, severe weather events in Greene County are more than a rare occurrence. Since having secure gutters is essential to protect your home and your valuable assets inside, it’s a good idea to get your gutter system inspected to catch potential issues. When problems are found by a SERVPRO professional, they’ll offer you a detailed plan of action to repair the damage early on to save you money down the road. 

It is always a good time to get your roof inspected even if you do not think there’s an issue. SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County can provide an inexpensive, professional assessment of your roof, rain gutters, attic, and all other related parts that make up the home's protective shield.