Can My Gutters Damage the Roof If They Get Too Full?

Will overflowing gutters damage the roof? You betcha! Not only will overflowing gutters cause roof damage, but they can lead to several other costly roof problems and structural issues. 

7 Dangers of Overflowing Gutters

Overflowing gutters can cause a whole host of problems for you. Here are seven.

1. Gutter Damage

Overflowing gutters damage your gutter system. They were meant to take on rain, not the weight of debris and rotting leaves. 

The longer you wait to clean the gutters, the more burden they will bear, resulting in sags and breakages. You’ll have to repair or replace the entire line if this happens. 

2. Flood Damage

The chance of flooding increases with overflowing gutters since the gutter can’t divert water from your house effectively. If you have a basement, you could experience flooding and water damage. 

Clogged gutters can also cause flooding in your walkways, driveway, and anything else that is lower ground.  

3. Mold Damage

Water damage can lead to mold growth. Mold is particularly troublesome because it’s a health hazard, and you can’t always see it or smell it. 

Breathing in mold spores can cause health issues such as respiratory infections, fever, headaches, asthma, and other illnesses. 

4. House Damage

Overflowing gutters is hazardous to your house. It can cause siding damage. The color will not only fade but also cause siding rot, cracks, or worse. 

5. Landscape Damage

Your landscape will suffer if you have overflowing gutters. When gutters can’t properly divert water, water puddles on your lawn and landscape beds. 

The more water that pools, the more likely you’ll need to repair your landscaping. And that’s not cheap!

6. Foundation Damage

When gutters cannot direct water away from the base of your house, your foundation is at risk of damage. Your home’s foundation (slab) is concrete. 

Concrete absorbs rainwater causing it to swell and crack. If this happens, you have a serious problem on your hands. Foundation damage is extremely costly to fix.  

7. Roof Damage

Clogged gutters leave your home with no way to drain heavy rain, stagnating in the gutter trough, leading to roof damage. They can cause water to pool on the roof causing shingle damage and increasing the risk of roof sagging, cracks, and leaks. 

If it’s progressed, the water can sit until it seeps through the roof and walls. 

How to Spot Clogged Gutters

If you aren’t sure you have a clogged gutter, here are some telltale signs to watch for. 

Insects and Pests. An increase in insects and pests around your home. Insects love the wet conditions of dirty and unkempt gutters. 

Stains Inside and Out. Staining on your siding or downspouts is another good indicator of overflowing gutters. 

Sagging Gutters. Water is heavy and will cause the gutters to sag.

Plants Growing in the Gutters. If you have plants growing, you have debris, meaning you also have a clog. Organic matter collects in the troughs when you don’t clean them out.  

Overflowing gutters damage the roof and can cause structural damage to your home and property. Keep your gutters clean and clear and avoid these problems. 

Roof Repair & Replacement You Can Trust

Do you need a roof repair or roof replacement? Perry Roofing Company is the roof repair and replacement company you can trust. 

We understand that your property is one of your most significant investments. We take the time to assess your individual needs and offer solutions that fit your needs and budget. Contact us today. 479.306.4327