Water Damage Caused by Clogged Gutters in Akron, Ohio

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage to a ceiling from a roof leak caused by clogged gutters in Akron, Ohio.

The importance of cleaning your gutters when it comes to water damage to your home in Akron, Ohio.

The reason we have gutters on our home is to collect the rainwater from the roof and divert it away from our house saving us from possible water or mold damage to the exterior or interior of homes. It is important to check your gutters during the Spring and Fall months to see if the seasonal elements have destroyed or clogged your gutters. Below are tips to help make sure you avoid the possibilities of future water or mold disasters.

• Replacing gutters on older homes: If you live in an historic home with older style gutters than replacing them maybe needed. Older style gutters are made up of segments that are joined together at seams and attached to the fascia with screws. These seams and openings collect water that can’t easily escape, encouraging the growth of mold that can spread to the fascia and roof.
• Steeped pitched roof – If you live in a home that has a steeply pitched roof during very heavy rainfall the gutters on the home can’t handle the volume of the water flow. The excessive water flow can damage your outside deck, patio or even foundation. It is important to inspect these gutters regularly to make sure they aren’t clogged or replacing them with larger higher-capacity gutters.
• Clogged gutters – If you have mature trees of any kind then most likely your gutters will become clogged with leaves, sticks, pine needles and…..Cleaning these gutters out with a leaf blower, wet vacuum, gutter scoop, power washer or even by hand will help prevent the flow of water down the spout and flowing over the gutter onto the fascia and causing possible water damage to the foundation.
• Seasonal Storms – Heavy Spring storms bring rain, hail, or windstorms that can crack gutters or send leaves, twigs, or longer branches from nearby trees into gutters. This debris can then decompose in the gutter and slow or completely block the normal flow of water away from your home causing water damage. For these reasons, it is prudent to inspect your gutter after every heavy storm, clearing out debris and sealing any holes with gutter caulk. During the winter months ice and snow can take a toll on gutters. The heavy amount of snow and ice rooftops can cause nearby gutters to crack or detach from the house, while ice dams can lead to leaks in your attic or ceiling as well as damage to the roof, gutters, or foundation.

SERVPRO of West Akron 330-867-5723 your 24/7 Emergency Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration Company!