The roof system of your house is made up of many components such as shingles, flashing and eaves. Another important part is rain gutters. They attach to the roofline, and their main function is to catch water that flows down the roof slope and off the edge. Once in gutter troughs, this liquid is carried away to the ground below with the help of downspouts. Often overlooked, gutters and downspouts need cleaning on a regular basis to ensure serious roof-related problems don’t arise. Ashco Exteriors offers the best gutter repair service in Dallas Texas.

What Happens When Rain Gutters get Clogged?

It’s a good practice for homeowners to inspect gutters and downspouts periodically. Surprisingly, a lot of debris can accumulate, including leaves, pine needles, twigs, dust, dirt, shingle granules and tree nuts like acorns. Here are some examples of what happens throughout the year when gutters are blocked.

  • Warm months. During spring and summer, debris collects in gutter troughs. When it rains, the water cannot drain away. Instead, it fills to the top of these troughs. From there, it has easy access to shingles at the roofline edge or above the drip line. Once in contact with shingles, liquid wicks its way upward into the roofing material as well as over the surface and into cracks and crevices. If not evaporated, this moisture just stays there, saturating the shingle.
  • Colder months. Take the above scenario, but now the weather is colder. Moisture that’s trapped underneath shingles or in small surface gaps is susceptible to freezing when the temperature drops. When water freezes, it expands, and it’s this expansion that does a lot of damage by forcing roofing material apart and widening gaps. Eventually, the temperature rises and the frozen liquid thaws. If not evaporated, it freezes again the next cold day. This freeze-thaw-freeze cycle occurs multiple times during late fall and early spring as the temperature rises and falls.
  • Winter months. This last scenario goes a step further as wintertime poses its own particular problem – ice dams. Melted snow and ice collect near the roof’s edge and freeze over and over again because it cannot drain away, thanks to gutters full of debris and frozen water. Instead, barriers known as ice dams are formed where shingles are now covered in pools of liquid. Moisture finds its way underneath or over roofing materials, increasing the possibility of water leaks. This situation presents a big concern for homeowners. For more on ice dams, see: Before the Temperature Drops, Let the Experts Check Your Roof.

The result for each of the above situations is not a happy one for homeowners. If clogged gutters are left unchecked, the chances of damage from water seepage to the interior and exterior of the home will increase, thus affecting the integrity of the whole structure.

Gutter Maintenance is a Year-Round Must

Make sure your gutters are doing the job they should by cleaning them often. After scooping out debris, rinse them with a hose. Check for cracks or holes. Also, ensure they’re installed properly and not pulling away from the siding from the weight of soggy debris. They should be hung at the correct height, not too low or too high. Examine downspouts to confirm that water is flowing away from the siding, foundation and landscaping.

Getting a Comprehensive Roof Assessment for Damage is Easy

If you think you have roof damage of any kind, from blown-off shingles and hail impacts to rotting underlayments, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals. At Ashco Exteriors, we’re here to assist with any roof repair or replacement related to water, high winds or hail storms. Our goal is to help you increase the longevity of your roof and preserve the value of your home.

Schedule a free 7-point roof inspection for a comprehensive assessment and expert advice to help you make informed decisions.