How Gutters Cause Harm To Properties

CONTENTS

• Causes issues with the foundation
• Results in damage to gutters
• Harm to the home's interior
• Basement flooding
• Pest problems
• We're here to help

It is recommended that gutters are checked over twice annually, to prevent issues with your property and to deal with any blockages that have developed. This is vital for protecting your house, as the consequences of water damage can be severe.

At ICE Cleaning, we are a specialist flood damage cleaning company, with years of experience in the industry. Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, our technicians utilise the latest equipment and solutions to restore your premises to a safe condition.

Keep reading to discover what damage clogged gutters can cause your home.

Causes issues with the foundation

Problems with your foundation can ensue from clogged gutters, as the system isn't able to carry water way from the property like it is meant to.

When the excess water finds itself at the bottom of your home, it could cause erosion of the walls, which can leave you with serious issues.

Pay close attention for signs of cracking, as this often shows water damage has occurred. Other consequences of blocked gutters is damage to your garden furniture, patio and walkways. 

Your gutter could be blocked from dirt, biological growth or even heavy rain. Keep trees cut back from your roof too, as this reduces the chance of leaves settling in the gutter system. 

Results in damage to gutters

When gutters are not carefully maintained, flooding can cause them damage. They could become too heavy to cope with the weight of matter falling into them, especially if the gutter has not have been cleaned for a long time.

Be sure to have good quality gutters fitted to the house, as these will last longer than if you have invested in materials that can't adequately flow water away.

Should you become the victim of flooding, our customer support team is here to help you with whatever you need. Following the job, a member of the team will be in touch to check you're happy with everything and address any issues.

Harm to the home's interior

Leaks into your home from the roof or gutters can cause a lot of damage to your home's interior, including possessions and the structure of the building. 

The walls could start to lose shape by bowing from the water, and the fascia boards in the property may become damaged too. If you have any issues with this, get a professional to take a look at it as soon as possible.

You might start to notice spots of damp forming as the results of leaks, which you can often identify by its musty smell. If you notice any visible mould, it is time to get it treated by a specialist.

At ICE Cleaning, we can be at your home in just an hour in cases of emergency to begin our mould removal process. Our technicians are Dewpoint Professional accredited and follow strict health and safety practices to protect the safety of everyone involved.

Basement flooding

As well as causing destruction to your foundation, you could suffer flooding in your basement as a result of blocked gutters. 

If there are holes in the facade of your building, extensive damage may happen in your basement. This can be very costly to repair, especially if you use the room for recreational purposes.

Trenches near the basement could lead to basement flooding. Other problems such as broken gutter joints, a build-up of dirt and debris, or harm to your roof shingles, should be tackled promptly to prevent water damage.

Over time, the roof of your building can suffer. Shingles can become damaged, and water leak through. Have a specialist contractor out to take a look at your roof - they will establish the correct solution for you.

Pest problems

Having a pest infestation can be difficult to deal with, and may not be noticeable straight away if they have taken shelter in your gutter. 

Insects like cockroaches love damp conditions, which a gutter full of water will give it plenty of. We've got you covered though - our cleaning specialists provide cockroach control services across the UK to help you treat these pesky pests.

You could also find that pests make their nests in their gutter from the dirt and debris from the surrounding environment. This is why it is important to have your gutters serviced regularly.

Be aware of the health risks associated with pests too, as they can trigger allergies or cause illnesses like Weil's disease or salmonellosis. Check out this page written by the HSE for more information on Weil's disease.

We're here to help

If you have suffered flooding or water damage in your home, we've got you covered. Get in touch with our team today on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to learn more about the specialist flood damage restoration treatments we provide.