August 24, 2016

bigstock-Rain-gutter-full-of-autumn-lea-37528768If your gutters and downspouts are clogging, it could lead to serious water damage to the interior of your home. As there are many reasons why they could clog or otherwise become blocked, it may be best to have an Ann Arbor MI roofing professional take a look at them as soon as possible. He or she can diagnose the problem and help you avoid costly repairs to your home.

Reasons Your Gutters Could Be Clogged

A gutter can clog if it becomes too full of organic matter or other debris. For instance, you may have leaves or sticks from a nearby tree fall into them and block water from being able to flow properly. Leaves and other material may fall into a gutter and then decompose, which can turn them into giant piles of thick goo that can be difficult to remove. Gutters may also become clogged or backed up if ice accumulates along the gutter, which forces water back under shingles and into the home.

Why Do Downspouts Get Clogged?

A downspout can get clogged for many of the same reasons that a gutter will become clogged. Debris such as pine needles, leaves and sticks may roll off of the gutter and become lodged in a downspout. If a downspout isn’t properly connected to the home or to another piece properly, it could allow material to become lodged and fail to let water through. Additionally, it may be possible for rodents to enter your downspout and either nest there or have babies while inside.

The Consequences of a Clogged Gutter or Downspout

When water isn’t allowed to flow away from your Ann Arbor MI home or property, it will flow into the home instead. The first signs of water damage may be streaking on walls or the presence of water in the attic. If allowed to linger, you may notice that water starts to drip from the ceiling in one or more rooms in the house. If still allowed to linger, water could seep into walls and flow all the way to the basement and the foundation.

Fixing a Gutter or Downspout Doesn’t Have to be Hard or Costly

If you notice that a gutter or downspout is clogged, fixing the issue may be as simple as having it taken off of the house and reset properly. It may also be a good idea to have gutter guards installed that can block leaves, ice and other debris from getting into a gutter in the first place. These guards can be installed for a few hundred dollars, which is a fraction of the cost of dealing with a clogged gutter. A downspout only costs a few dollars to replace, and labor costs are reasonable as well.

At the first sign of gutter or downspout issues, you should call a professional to take a look at them. A professional will be able to diagnose your issue and fix it in a timely manner. Once the problem has been resolved, you can sleep easier knowing that your home will be safe from the elements.