Many homeowners don’t think much about their gutters until they get clogged. You might dread cleaning them out, but if you allow them to stay clogged, you could end up with a much bigger problem on your hands. Below are a few ways clogged drainage systems affect other parts of your home.

Common Exterior Elements Damaged by Clogged Gutters

Foundation

One of the drainage system’s main jobs is to direct water away from the foundation. When clogs accumulate in your gutters, water can’t flow where it’s supposed to go, so it pours over the edges of the troughs and then pools around your foundation. Over time, water can cause mold growth and cracks, and it could cause structural damage to the home that rests upon the foundation.

Roof

When clogs prevent water from flowing through your gutters and away from your roof, it can pool on the shingles. Prolonged exposure to water can damage your roofing materials. The roof surface and underlying structure can weaken and rot, which could lead to roof leaks that harm the interior of your home as well. This will shorten the life span of your roof, meaning you’ll need a replacement sooner than you were expecting.

Siding

When gutters get clogged, overflowing water runs down your exterior walls. Siding protects your home from rain and storms, but prolonged contact with a torrent of water can cause mold growth. Over time, the excess water could even seep behind your siding and damage your interior walls.

Landscaping

Gutters and downspouts are channel water away to a place where it can be absorbed into the ground. However, if the water spills over the sides, flowers, shrubs, and other plants can get overwatered or crushed by the constant pressure of the water falling from above. If too much water accumulates in one area, you may end up with puddles of standing water in the grass around your house.

Whether you need to repair your gutters or the damage that they caused while clogged, Highmark Exteriors in Savage, MN, can help. Their team offers commercial and residential exterior remodeling and repair throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Whether you need new gutters or windows, ice dam removal, or storm damage repair, their experienced team of licensed and insured professionals has the skill to keep your property in top condition. Call (952) 882-8904 to request a free estimate, and visit their website to learn more about their wide range of services.