The main purpose of gutters is to divert water away from your roof and as homeowners in South Florida, where heavy rain can occur, it is essential to have an effective gutter system in place so that there is no water build up on your roof.
Gutter maintenance is not always a top priority for most homeowners, but clogged gutter drains not only cause soil erosion and compromise the foundation of your home, but they also have a negative effect on your roof. Clogged gutters are generally caused by the build-up of leaves and other debris, especially after heavy rain or windstorms.
The Side Effects Of A Clogged Gutter On Your Roof
Blocked gutters are usually overlooked by most people but the back up of water caused by them can lead to the accumulation of water on your roof (ponding water) and can affect the structural integrity of your roof. The trapped moisture can lead to the growth of algae, moss, mold and other hazardous fungal outgrowths.
Fungal growths, especially when left to fester, can cause the longevity of your roof to decrease dramatically and if there happens to be gaps in your roof, mold and other organisms can infiltrate the interior of your home posing a direct health hazard to you and your family.The growth of these fungal species also decrease the aesthetic appeal of your home as they appear as unappealing black/green clusters and streaks on your roof tiles.
The build-up of water on your roof can cause a lot of wear and tear damage and can also cause leaks, which can potentially cause damage to your ceiling and ceiling lights- which can pose as a fire hazard, pealing of paint on nearby walls and interior mold and mildew problems.
Tips On How To Prevent A Clogged Gutter
As a homeowner, you need to be on the lookout for signs of a clogged gutter, signs like a collapsing gutter, overflow of water from the gutter and leakages inside your home are a few tell-tale signs that there might be a problem with your roofs guttering system.
In South Florida, strong winds, rains and hurricanes are not a foreign concept and the build-up of debris in gutters because of these weather conditions is very common, so by cleaning out your gutter regularly, you can prevent potential water and fungal damage to your roof and other parts of your home.
As always, prevention is better than repair, hiring a professional roofer to do inspections for any possible water build-up or damage as well as for regular maintenance is important. You can prevent damage and avoid unnecessary repair costs if you have your roof regularly inspected by a licensed and insured roofing company. Call ABC Roofing Corp.to have your roof and evaluated.
