What happens when gutters stop working?
A gutter that overflows in one heavy rain doesn’t look like much. Over a few seasons, the damage adds up:
- Rotted fascia and roof edges. Water that backs up behind the gutter soaks the board the gutter hangs from, and the rot can spread to the roof deck.
- Stained and damaged siding. Overflow runs down the wall, leaving streaks and peeling paint, and gets behind the panels.
- Wet basements and foundation cracks. Water dumped at the base of the wall soaks the soil, and that water finds its way into the basement.
- Washed-out beds and walkways. A steady stream from one spot erodes soil and mulch and can undermine steps and patios.
- Ice and pests. Clogged gutters hold water that freezes in winter, and standing water draws mosquitoes and nesting birds in summer.
Most of this is cheap to prevent and expensive to fix. That’s why gutters are worth a look before the damage shows up inside the house.