Gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage, directing rainfall away from your home’s foundation, walls, and landscaping. However, when gutters get old or are not maintained properly, they can turn from protectors to sources of significant problems for your property. Understanding how old gutters can damage your home is vital to maintaining the integrity and value of your property.
One of the most significant ways old gutters can damage your home is by contributing to foundation problems. Gutters are designed to channel water away from your home’s foundation, but when they are clogged, broken, or not draining correctly, some of the runoff ends up pooling around your home’s foundation. This, unfortunately, exposes the foundation supports to cracks and possible shifting over time.
The fascia boards that your gutters are attached to are also at risk when gutters fail. Over time, clogged or leaking gutters can cause water to overflow and seep behind them, leading to rotting of the fascia boards. This not only requires costly repairs but can also compromise the structural integrity of the gutter system itself.
Your landscaping can also suffer from old or poorly functioning gutters. When gutters overflow or leak, the excess water can erode soil, kill plants, and even lead to unsightly mud pits. This water can wash away mulch, erode gardens, and lead to standing water problems that harm your property’s aesthetics and value.
Another way old gutters can damage your home is by causing water damage to siding and exterior walls. When gutters do not function as they should, water can run down the sides of the house. This not only stains the siding but can also lead to moisture penetrating the exterior walls, causing mold and mildew growth.
These issues can be completely minimized through proper maintenance and timely inspections carried out by a reliable contractor. At Polk Contracting, Inc., we have years of expertise in addressing whatever gutter problems our customers have. We are focused on meeting and exceeding your expectations so you can trust that you will be provided with only the best products and services around.
As one of the area’s top roofing, siding and gutter contractors, Polk Contracting can provide you with exceptional solutions to all your home improvement needs. With our quality products from the most trusted brands, and our skilled, professional crew, we’ll make sure your project is completed to quality specifications. Call us today at (410) 994-2801, or fill out this contact form to schedule your evaluation. We proudly serve homeowners in all of Harford, Cecil and Baltimore Counties.