In the Sarasota area, severe weather and high winds can cause debris to collect on your roof rather quickly.

This debris, which can be comprised of twigs, palm fronds or leaves from nearby trees, can accumulate in your rain gutters. Some customers have even reported that birds have constructed nests in their gutters, effecting damming the water flow and causing pooling or backup.

Cleaning out your clogged gutters may not be on your weekly to-do list.

In fact, you may not even realize that your gutters are filling up with debris until you notice costly damage occurring. That is why a routine cleaning of your gutters is a smart way to protect your investment and extend the life of your roof

Possible Damage from Clogged Gutters

• • Roof Leaks: Clogged gutters that aren’t draining properly can cause roof leaks which may cause major damage. Water runs downhill, and because the debris may cause water to back up or pool, the water will look for an avenue to travel downward. Depending on the leaks, cracks, and openings the water may find, leaks behind interior walls and ceilings can easily occur and cause major damage.
  • Mold & Mildew: Standing water and moist areas of debris can also cause mold or mildew to grow on and under the roofing tiles. While many think that mold, mildew or algae are purely aesthetic concerns, they can also be a health hazard or cause erosion to your roofing materials. In fact, if mold or mildew is growing on your roof for any reason, consider cleaning your roof for its best possible health.
  • Damaged Foundation: When water cannot drain in a controlled way, it can do damage to the foundation of your home. Given the structural importance of your foundation, damage can be quite serious and expensive. Inspecting your roof and gutters on a regular basis, therefore, is a smart financial move.
  • Rotten Fascia: If water overflows out of your clogged gutters, it could cause your roof fascia boards to rot over time. (The fascia is a wooden board that generally attaches your gutters to the roof. Aside from looking polished, the fascia helps to keep out critters and weather. Rotting fascia wood can also attract pests – therefore seriously affect the integrity of your home.
  • Damage to The Roofing Structure: Gutters clogged with debris may sag from the extra weight, straining the gutter fasteners, soffits and fascia, and the gutters themselves. Allowing clogged gutters to go unchecked may very well result in your having to purchase new materials to replace a sagging or damaged gutter system.

  Note: Although this is not an issue which will affect your roof lifespan, clogged gutters can also wreak havoc on your landscaping and flower beds. When water overflows or spills out into the same area, it can erode your mulch, grass, plantings or flowers.

As with every aspect of homeownership, routine roof maintenance is important to protect your investment and avoid costly repairs. Keeping your gutters free from debris allows the water to flow freely and to drain properly, which will help to ensure that your roof and gutters last for their full lifespan.

If you live in the Sarasota, Bradenton or Venice area and have questions about how to best clean your clogged gutters – or about any other aspect of roof maintenance, repair, or replacement – call the professional roofers at Avery Roof Services today.