How Gutters Protect Your Home From Water Damage

Gutters are one of those things that we never pay attention to until something goes wrong. Most homeowners know that gutters are important, but few can actually explain why. The reason they are important is because they protect your home from water damage. Here's how.

How gutters work

Gutters are mounted along the border of your roof, and are responsible for collecting rain water and melting snow as it flows over the edge. The gutters are installed at a slight angle so this water doesn't simply pool in them, it is directed to the downspout. The job of the downspout is to deposit this water elsewhere – whether it is in a collection barrel, underground drain, garden, or just a safe distance away from your home.

How clogged gutters lead to water damage

Just about the only thing you need to do to keep your gutters functioning properly is clean them twice per year. Once after fall season, and again at the start of spring should be enough to keep them clear of leaves and debris. When your gutters become too clogged with this junk, water can't flow through them, which can lead to the following problems:

• Water leaking into your roof. When water leaks into your roof, you can experience mold in your attic, damaged insulation, wood rot, and more.
• Water pouring over the sides of your roof. When water pours over the edge of your roof, it can damage your siding and cause your window sills to rot.
• Foundation and crawl space damage. Another problem with water draining too close to your home is the pressure that it puts on your foundation, which could cause it to crack. Other problems that can result include flooding and mold growth.
• Ice dams. Ice dams commonly occur during the winter months. When your gutters are clogged, melting snow on your roof can't drain, so it re-freezes to form a dam on the edge of your roof. This causes even more water to back up, and eventually seep into your ceiling.

If water damage has affected your Long Island home or business, look no further than GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration. We offer specialty cleaning services to Nassau and Suffolk County, including mold removal, attic and crawl space cleaning, and water damage restoration. Visit our website or give us a call at (631) 940-8100 for more information.