You have lots of daily concerns at your home or business, and your gutters probably aren’t one of them. These pieces of your property’s structure may not seem very exciting, but when they experience problems, they can cause a big, far-reaching impact. This is because gutters serve one main purpose; to direct water away from your building. In unwanted places, water can be very destructive. 

At McMahon Services, we know the four seasons of Illinois weather can cause lots of water damage to homes, apartment buildings, and commercial properties. A common cause of this weather-related damage is gutter problems, and the most common gutter problem is quite simple: Clogging. 

When gutters become clogged, they can’t drain properly and will overflow during rainstorms or spring snow melts. This results in water going where it’s not wanted, and potentially damaging your property. Keeping your gutters clean and clog free usually requires a twice per year maintenance program. 

Start by clearing them out in late fall after most of the leaves have fallen, ideally before mid-November. Don’t wait until all the leaves are down. It’s better to have ½ of the leaves cleaned out before that quick Midwest freeze, rather than not get to them at all. Clean your gutters carefully again in early spring, keeping them clear for spring and summer season rain. If your building has multiple stories, make sure you have a plan to access and clean the gutters on the higher levels.

How Small Clogs Can Create Big Problems

Clogged gutters can cause damage to your property from top to bottom. Here are just a few of the complex water issues that can develop as a result of this simple problem.

Leaky Roofs and Moldy Attics

When water backs up due to gutter clogs, it will sit on your roof, breaking down your shingles and causing leaks. Mold and mildew can also grow in attics as a result of these leaks, causing even more damage.

Damaged Siding, Soffits and Fascia

Both rot from leaks and the weight of gutters full of water and debris can cause problems. These issues can be both visible and hidden damage to the important materials that protect your home from the elements.

Wet Basements and Compromised Foundations

Water overflowing from clogged gutters will often end up right next to your home, saturating the ground around your basement and foundation. This can cause problems ranging from smelly damaged property to structural issues.

Interior Leaking

All of these forms of water intrusion can eventually lead to damage on the inside of your property. Ceiling stains, warped walls, soggy flooring, and even damage to your electrical wiring can all occur if leaks go on too long. Additionally, the mold that can grow as a result of these leaks can be very dangerous to the health of anyone inside the affected building.

Pest Problems

Mosquitos love standing water, and wasps love mud and leaves. Clogged gutters can make your property a breeding ground for these nasty pests.

Don’t Ignore Water Damage From Clogged Gutters – Get Help From The Right Partner Today

If your home or commercial property has been damaged by clogged gutters, McMahon services can help. We are experts at finding and stopping the causes of water damage, and creating a plan to remove the damage, repair your property, and prevent future issues from occurring. 

Because we also offer construction, roofing, and siding services, we can work with you (and your insurance agent) from start to finish, ensuring a straightforward and efficient project. If you need help with water and property damage caused by gutters, contact us today.