Can a Clogged Gutter Cause a Roof Leak

Many different responsibilities come with being a homeowner. It’s all part of protecting your most significant investments. One task that should always be a priority on your to-do list is taking care of your roof – and that includes cleaning out the gutters. Ignoring this could lead to serious problems and expensive repairs. If you’ve been wondering whether a clogged gutter causes a roof leak, we’re here to explain why they can, what other types of damage it can cause and how to avoid this problem.

How Can Clogged Gutters Cause Roof Leaks

They may seem inconsequential, but the gutter system plays a major role in safeguarding your roof and home. It captures all of the excess water from heavy rainstorms and melting snow and then redirects it through the downspout away from the foundation of your house. Without these gutters, there wouldn’t be anywhere for all of that excess moisture to go, which means it would stay put on the roof. This would eventually force the water to percolate under the shingles through the structure and eventually leak through the ceiling or even down the walls.

What other types of damage can clogged gutters cause?

It Can Decrease the Lifespan of Your Roof

On average, a new roof can last between 15 and 30 years if it’s properly maintained and taken care of. However, if it’s neglected, even minor damage can quickly develop into major problems over time. This can shorten its lifespan, forcing homeowners to fork out a large sum of money for an entire roof replacement much sooner than if it was simply maintained and inspected regularly. 

It Can Lead to Dangerous Mold and Mildew

When moisture sits on top of the roof with nowhere to drain, it can eventually lead to mould and mildew growth. As mould spores develop, they can quickly spread through the attic and walls. This can create a dangerous environment inside your home, especially if black mould begins to grow. It can eventually lead to respiratory problems, endangering you and your family’s health. It can also be expensive to get rid of and repair the damage it can cause throughout your home.

It Can Damage the Foundation of Your Home

If your gutters are broken, clogged or loose, water will drip down and pool right along the foundation of your home. As it pools, it will find ways to seep beneath the ground through cracks and crevices, which can lead to serious problems over time. Foundation damage can be severe since it can compromise the structure of your entire house, costing a significant amount of money to repair.  

It Can Ruin Your Landscape

Clogged gutters can ruin all of the hard work you put into your lawn and garden. As water spills out, it can wash away the soil and leave your grass and vegetation looking worse for wear. By inspecting and cleaning the gutters during each season, you can avoid any water-related damage in the garden.

Keeping the gutters clean and clear is essential for every homeowner. It’s a simple but important maintenance task that can help safeguard your roof and entire home from unnecessary water damage. To avoid costly repairs, we recommend having the gutters professionally cleaned out at least twice per year and more frequently depending on where you live. If it’s time to get yours cleaned out, or if your roof needs an inspection and repairs, contact our team at Roofmaster today to schedule an appointment.