Gutters can seem like little more than a nuisance with how often they need cleaning to keep them functional.

Yet what many Florida homeowners may not realize is that functioning rain gutters protect their homes from many types of serious damage.

Read here to learn why hiring a gutter company to clean and care for roof gutters is so important, especially in climates that receive large amounts of rain, and what could happen if gutters are left unmaintained!

1. Roofing Damage

Clogged and damaged rain gutters are a common source of roofing damage that can destroy a roof over time.

This happens when the edges of the roof end up submerged within overflowing gutters that do not drain properly or when the water overflowing from gutters leaks onto the fascia boards.

Exposed roof edges will soak up water, as can the underlayment beneath the roofing materials, resulting in rotting decking, shingles, fascia, and other roofing components.

Left uncorrected, simple gutter damage can cause massive roofing damage that may even affect the structural soundness of the roof.

2. Soil Erosion and Landscape Damage

As water pours over the sides of clogged or damaged gutters rather than flowing down the downspouts, it can damage any landscaping close to the house and even cause ruts due to soil erosion.

When ruts and other signs of missing soil or mulch floating away are noticed, homeowners should call a gutter company to inspect, clean, and repair their gutters to ensure they are large enough to handle the volume of rain flowing off the roof.

3. Foundation Damage

Large volumes of water pouring onto the ground around the base of the home can also saturate the soil, causing foundation damage like cracks and uneven settlement due to groundwater pressure.

These foundation repairs can be difficult and expensive.

Fortunately, foundation damage like this can often be prevented by simply adding or maintaining gutters on the edge of the roof and directing drainage away from the house.

4. Basement Flooding and High Humidity

Another serious problem that affects Florida homes with dysfunctional or undersized gutters is basement flooding which can follow foundational damage.

Leaky basements are common in homes with high groundwater and bad or insufficient rain gutters are a prime contributor to that problem.

Florida homes that experience moisture seepage or flooding also commonly experience high interior humidity and mustiness.

This often causes homeowners to run their air conditioners and dehumidifiers for extended periods to control the humidity, increasing their energy bills.

5. Mold Growth

Another problem that gutter companies often connect to humidity problems caused by bad guttering is mold growth inside the home and poor indoor air quality.

Black mold growth is a health hazard that is unfortunately very common in homes with humidity problems, including those with foundational damage caused by soil saturation from overflowing gutters.

Prevent Roof and Home Damage With Rain Gutters

Damaged, clogged, and undersized rain gutters are known to cause roofing problems, but they can actually cause many more problems than just that, especially in wetter climates.

Homeowners in Florida should contact a local roof and gutter company to inspect their gutters, make any needed repairs, and keep them clean year-round.

If necessary, a contractor can also outfit a home with new gutters if a larger or more durable system is needed to keep rain flowing off the roof under control and prevent costly water damage!