Standing water is a common gutter problem caused by clogging, damaged gutter hangers, or installation errors that result in incorrect gutter slope. Whatever the cause, standing water in the gutters can cause problems, even pose danger to your home. In today’s post, gutter and roof replacement contractor Gutter Helmet of Dallas Fort Worth discusses the dangers of standing water in your gutters.
1. Damage to the House Foundations — Gutters are primarily designed to prevent rainwater from pooling at the house foundations, as this can result in irreversible damage. If the soil under the foundations becomes too moist, the house could settle unevenly. This can cause major structural problems such as vertical cracks on the exterior wall or part of the house sinking to the ground. Gutters with standing water are more likely to overflow during heavy rainfall, which would defeat the gutters’ purpose.
2. Water Infiltration at the Roof Edge — Water from overflowing gutters can also flow the other way, through the roof edge, resulting in water infiltration. This can lead to moisture damage to the roofing support structure that often ends unseen until the next time a roofing contractor performs a thorough inspection. Moisture infiltration can also result in leaks, as well as indoor mold growth.
3. Corrosion — Standing water can increase wear on gutter sealant and coatings, which can lead to water making contact with bare metal, resulting in corrosion. Cleaning your gutters regularly, as well as having your gutter contractor address issues that cause standing water, can help prevent corrosion in the gutters. You should also consider investing in stainless steel, aluminum, or copper gutters, which do not corrode as iron does. Investing in gutter protection systems like Gutter Helmet also helps reduce—or, in Gutter Helmet’s case, eliminate—the need to clean your gutters.
4. Mosquitoes — Mosquitoes lay their eggs in moist areas, including standing water. Mosquitoes can thrive in such areas undisturbed, as they’re not seen from the ground. Taking precautions against the aforementioned causes of standing water—correcting installation issues and keeping the gutters clean—can go a long way in preventing mosquito growth in your gutters.
Gutter Helmet of Dallas Fort Worth is your leading provider of gutter and metal roofing installation services. Give us a call at (817) 495-7278. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.