Homeowner's Knowledgebase

Read on for our insights and news posts and if you have questions contact us.

GET FREE QUOTE

DATE

November 24, 2016

CATEGORY

Roof Components

SHARE

How Gutters Affect the Health of Your Roof

Other than during the spring and fall seasons, homeowners tend to neglect their gutters. This can be a disastrous mistake, as the condition of your gutters not only affects the performance of your roof but it can also impact the air quality in your home.

Gutter Sizing

Not all gutters come in the same size. The roof’s square footage should determine how many downspouts are needed along with how wide the gutters should be. If the shingles hang too far over the eaves, for example, then water may flow directly over the gutters. Likewise, not enough downspouts could result in pooling.

Gutter Pass-through

Clogged gutters pose numerous threats. The increased weight from water pooling or ice damming can cause the gutter to pull away from the wall (or unhinge entirely). When the water overflows, damage can still be done:

  1. The water can seep underneath the overhanging shingles and leak into the attic;
  2. The water can pour over the sides and pool around the foundation of the home, leading to cracks that threaten the structural integrity of the whole home.

In either scenario, waterlogged infrastructure creates an environment conducive to mold growth and/or pest infestations. Both can negatively affect indoor air quality. From heightened allergic responses to full-blown toxicities, mold is a danger in any household.