Top 5 Common Gutter Problems Of Homeowners in New York

A roof gutter is an essential component of any roofing system that homeowners often ignore. What most homeowners fail to realize, however, avoiding roof gutter problems significantly play a huge role in protecting your New York home against further water damage. 

Common Roof Gutter Problems

Roof gutters work perfectly if rainwater flowing down the roof surface is smoothly carried away from your house. They keep the entire house free from mildew or mold formation while preventing water from entering your basement floors. As with other building materials installed in your house, however, gutters may likely develop damage over time. 

Once pine needles, dry leaves, and other roof debris start to settle inside the downspouts and gutter, expect clogging to follow next. This is one tiny problem for many homeowners that can potentially become a nightmare. If left unattended, clogged gutters may directly obstruct proper drainage, which causes water to overflow later on. 

When the roof drainage system is blocked, you must expect these five common scenarios to happen:

1. Interior Home Damage and Basement Flooding

Rainwater from clogged drains may potentially get inside your house through windows and other small openings, forming pools of water anywhere. Which can cause serious damage to your interior building walls and may even cause damage to the ceiling and underneath the floors.

2. Slip Accident

If your gutters are clogged, you probably need to climb up the roof and clean out the debris. You’re always at the risk of falling or slipping accidents, which can result in serious injuries.

3. Structural Foundation Issues 

If gutters are clogged, water will likely spill over the side instead of passing through the gutter and out from the downspout. Your foundation system’s structural integrity can be affected once the water reaches your base foundation and begins to form cracks brought by freezing temperature. You also have to think about home foundation made of wood structures when water penetrates, as this can become a perfect candidate for termite infestation. 

4. Mold Build-Up

Mold can develop on exterior walls and inside your downspouts due to moisture and the presence of weather elements. Loose debris and dry leaves are also an excellent breeding spot for mold growth. You’ll likely find it difficult to clean your gutters safely if you leave your gutters unattended for many months.

5. Landscape Flooding

Yes, you heard it. Overflowing gutters can also result in landscape damage if your fail to take protective steps. Water can build up inside the clogged drains, spill on the side and run over your landscaping elements during a downpour. It can seriously harm your plants and shrubs while potentially creating pools of water on the ground level.

Proactive Solutions To Gutter Problems

If you want to reduce your roof gutter problems, you need to perform some basic maintenance, such as removing debris and loose branches. Use a garden hose to wash away the debris or scoop them out if running water is no longer possible. You can also cut down the overhanging tree branches to prevent leaves from falling inside the gutters. 

As a safety measure, it’s advisable to wear gloves to secure your hands while working as well as protective goggles to prevent eye injuries. However, if you prefer not to do the messy job, you can always hire qualified roofing contractors in NYC to handle all your gutter concerns. 

If you have many surrounding trees at home, gutter cleaning may not be good enough because you still need to perform regular cleaning chores to prevent water build-up. If that’s the case, you may consider installing a gutter protection system to extend your gutters’ service life. Depending on your preferred futter guard design, a gutter protection system is installed to prevent twigs, pine needles, and other debris from building up inside the gutter and stormwater discharge lines. It helps rainwater to flow smoothly within the drainage system and out to the downspout. 

You can choose among gutter screens, surface tension, and fine mesh as your gutter protective equipment. Each unit offers individual features, including roof installation method, material strength, and product variations, to help you select which type will fit onto your roof gutters. Gutter covers can substantially reduce maintenance costs since you don’t need to hire professional services or roof repair in New York that often to do the dirty job for you. 

The overall cost of gutter cleaning can really add up, though the majority of homes in New York may only need this job a few times a year. An effective gutter protection system reduces the need for regular cleaning as part of your maintenance routine. If your gutters are free from accumulated leaves and fallen twigs, you’re able to spend time on different family activities or other significant home improvement projects requiring more attention. 

Aside from preventing leaves and debris from building up, a gutter protection system also stops snow accumulation during colder seasons. Any collected water inside the gutters may likely freeze, causing the gutters to sustain damage due to the added weight of the ice. 

If properly installed and maintained, regular gutter cleaning and roof installation of many gutter protective units can significantly improve your roof gutters’ draining performance. You won’t have to worry as much about flooded basement floors or unsightly water streaks on your walls anymore if you will only practice frequent inspection for any signs of clogging.