There are many issues that homeowners try to avoid at all costs. One of these is water damage anywhere on the premises. Whether you have moisture in your walls, or water pooling in the basement, water damage can be costly and arduous to deal with.
One of the key ways to prevent water damage to any part of your property is to ensure that your home’s plumbing remains well-maintained. The second essential aspect is to invest in the gutter repairs Melbourne home and business owners rely on to keep everything dry. Have you been ignoring your slightly blocked gutters? Then you must aware of problems faced by houses having partial gutter coverage. Now find out why you should have them cleared as soon as possible.
No Good Comes From a Water Leak
It’s not uncommon for many people to be under the impression that leaking gutters only affect the outside of their homes. Experts are keen for homeowners to be aware that blocked gutters can cause more damage than simply making a huge mess at the bottom of the downpipe. It’s with this in mind that we’ve compiled a list of the ways that blocked gutters can cause severe damage to your home.
1. Water Leaks Can Cause Foundation Problems
Gutters have been designed to take a considerable beating during wind and rain storms. Tall trees near your roof cause leaves and twigs to fall onto the roof. These then end up in the gutters where they build up and cause clogs, which hamper the path rainwater is supposed to take to get off the roof.
When gutters become full, water flows over the edges and falls down the exterior walls. If this happens often enough, water starts pooling around your foundation, which can lead to structural damage. This is especially he case in older homes. Any type of structural damage can be very costly to repair.
2. Moisture Buildup in the Ceilings and Walls
Water from full gutters can also flow into the timber fascia boards on the roof. No matter how durable these boards are, consistent exposure to water will eventually start deteriorating them. It then becomes easier for water to seep into the ceiling space.
Moisture in the ceiling can lead to damage to the ceiling boards, insulation, and even wiring. All of these aspects can’t be repaired once exposed to water and will need replacing. Depending on the size of your home and the damage done, this can be another unexpected cost your blocked gutters will cause.
3. Interior Walls Can Also Become Damaged
Water will always run down until it finds a place to pool. That means that once excessive water has done damage to your ceiling boards, it will continue flowing down your interior walls. This then creates the perfect breeding ground for mould, mildew, and other types of bacteria.
Mould can easily be identified by black spots on the damp areas of the walls and ceiling. Since mould and mildew can spread quite quickly, your whole home can become infected. This not only looks unsightly but can also cause respiratory issues and aggravate allergies for the people and pets in the home. It’s essential to note that mould can be difficult to remove and should therefore be prevented at all costs.
4. Eventually Runs Down to the Basement
Anyone who has a basement in their home will confirm that it can be costly, messy, and time-consuming to deal with a water leak in that space. A water leak can either stream down a wall and eventually settle in the basement.
Alternatively, water and moisture can also seep in through the foundation, which can lead to dampness and eventual mould growth. Aside from structural damage, dampness can also damage any furniture or items you have in the basement. It can also cause mould to grow in your home.
Look Out for Tell-Tale Signs that You’re Dealing With a Gutter Leak
Water doesn’t take very long to start damaging your home. Rather than wait for severe signs of water damage, keep an eye out for simple indicators that you may be dealing with a blocked gutter. Here are the most common:
- Water is spilling over the edges of your gutters long after a storm has settled.
- Gutters appear to be heavy and sagging in some spaces.
- Weeds are growing in some parts of the gutter where sand has built up.
- Your home smells mouldy, especially after it’s been raining.
- You have tall trees that lean over your roof and shed leaves.
- The water streaming from your downpipes is muddy.
- Your home has water stains on the ceiling and walls.
Final Thoughts
A large part of keeping your home safe and dry revolves around being diligent with your seasonal roof maintenance. Skipping simple tasks such as cleaning your gutters can lead to issues such as interior wall damage, wall and ceiling damage, and the growth of mould throughout your home. Investing in annual roof clearing and the necessary repairs will ensure that rainwater and other debris wash off the roof and doesn’t seep into your home. You can also install gutter guard solution to reduce the roof maintenance.