A Roof Leak From a Clogged Gutter

Rain Gutter Function

• Rain gutters carry precipitation such as water, snow, ice and hail off the roof and away from the house. Wherever your roof slopes, a rain gutter should be there to capture precipitation. The gutters connect to downspouts that transport the water to the ground and away from the walls, windows and perimeter of the house. Without working rain gutters and downspouts, the water can backflush onto the roof, causing a leak, or cascade off the roof’s edges and collect on the ground next to the house, eventually leaking into the basement or foundation.

Cleaning Schedule

• Debris such as dirt and dead tree leafs collect in rain gutters throughout the year. To avoid problems with clogs, remove debris from gutters at least twice a year. If trees hang over or near your roof, clean them more frequently since falling leaves and other tree droppings can fill gutters quickly. If you are uncomfortable standing on the roof or a ladder, hire a professional to regularly clear out the gutters.

Cleaning Process

• Wear heavy work gloves and protective eyewear when you clean gutters. If the rain gutters are filled mostly with dried leaves, you can use a leaf blower. Gutters that have a buildup of dirt or sludge from deteriorated debris will not blow out, so scoop the debris out with a garden spade. Then spray the gutters and downspouts with a garden hose that has a high-pressure attachment.

Gutter Damage

• Clogged rain gutters not only can lead to basement flooding and leaks in the roof, but the clogs also can damage the gutters. The weight of the clogs, along with trapped standing water, can place enough weight on the gutters that they begin to pull away from the house. As water collects in the clogged gutters, wood gutters rot and soften while metal gutters rust. Allowing clogs to remain for long periods can cause enough damage that the gutters must be replaced.