A Fall Foe: Clogged Gutters Can Equate to Mold in Dover, OH

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

When the gutters are blocked; water will sit on top of the roof until it becomes too heavy and will eventually leak.

In the fall, homeowners are busy preparing their homes for wintertime. With so many things to do---simple tasks such as clearing your gutters of debris may fall on the bottom of the list. SERVPRO of New Philadelphia is here to reiterate the importance of cleaning the gutters out and the silent damage clogged gutters can cause.

Heavy rain that hits a home, that has clogged gutters, is extremely problematic. Simply stated. The water literally has nowhere to go. When the gutters are blocked; water will sit on top of the roof until it becomes too heavy. And then you guessed it…it comes inside and causes a leak. The leak will get worse until you get rid of the standing water and clear your gutters.

Even if you do not see the water coming through the ceiling. Standing water is a breeding zone for mold. The silent damage can be behind walls, inside attics, and breed inside your roof. All without you even knowing it! In addition to mold, sitting water will wear away at the wood of your household. The wood will begin to get soggy and rot. Left long enough, your home structure could begin to deteriorate, requiring extensive repairs. Improperly drained water can also cause damage to your foundation, wipe out your landscaping, and your take years off the lifespan of your roof.

Gutters should be cleaned twice a year. Autumn is a great time since the leaves are falling everywhere. One of the easiest methods is to grab a garden hose and pour the water into the downspout of the gutters. Never use sharp tools like a garden hoe or a rake to remove leaves. This can cause damage to the gutter itself.

If you think your home has mold damage caused by standing water. SERVPRO of New Philadelphia is the company to call. We specialize in water and mold damage restoration; this is cornerstone of our business. We have the training and expertise to safely handle any mold or water situation. Please call our 24 hour, 365 days a year number at 330.556.4656 should you need us for any water damage related issue.