Leaking gutters can cause a variety of problems, ranging from cosmetic damage to serious structural issues. Whether you have just bought a new home or you have been living in the same house for many years, it is important to keep up with maintenance tasks like cleaning the gutters. Failing to do so can result in a number of problems, one of the most serious being water damage.
Water damage from leaking gutters is not something to take lightly. In fact, it can cause a great deal of harm to your home if left unchecked. Many home insurance policies will not cover water damage that is the result of neglect, so it is important to be proactive in preventing it. Having your gutters cleaned regularly is one of the best ways to do this.
If you live in Arizona, you know that rain is not something that happens often. However, when it does rain, it can come down quite hard. Particularly, Sedona, Arizona gets 23 inches of rain, on average, per year, while The US average is 38 inches of rain per year. The downpours can cause your gutters to overflow, which can lead to water damage. In some cases, the water can even seep into your home’s foundation, causing even more serious problems.
Over time, the elements can cause your gutters to leak, making them less effective at protecting your home from water damage. If you suspect that your gutters are leaking, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid costly damage to your home. With that being said, here are three common signs that your gutters are leaking:
1. Leaking Gutters Can Cause Water Stains on the Exterior of Your Home
The first and most obvious sign that your gutters are leaking is water stains on the exterior of your home. If you notice any dark streaks or pooled water on your siding, chances are leaking gutters are to blame. These stains are typically the result of water overflowing or leaking from your gutters and running down the side of your house.
It’s important to note that water stains can also be caused by other problems, such as a faulty roof or broken pipe. Whatever the case may be, it’s always best to have the issue inspected by a professional to determine the root cause. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to water damage.
2. Cracks or Holes in Your Gutters
Another common sign that your gutters are leaking is cracks or holes in the gutters themselves. These problems can be caused by a number of things, such as age, weathering, or even impact damage. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to have any cracks or holes in your gutters repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage. It’s also a good idea to have your gutters inspected regularly for any signs of wear and tear.
3. Peeling Paint or Rotting Wood
If you notice that the paint on your gutters is peeling or that the wood around your gutters is beginning to rot, there’s a good chance that your gutters are leaking. This is because water that escapes from leaking gutters can cause these problems over time. In addition to peeling paint and rotting wood, water damage from leaking gutters can also cause mold and mildew to grow in your home.
4. Watermarks on Your Ceiling
If you notice watermarks on your ceiling, it’s a sure sign that your gutters are leaking. Watermarks are typically the result of water seeping through the cracks or holes in your gutters and running down the side of your house. In some cases, the water can even seep into your home’s foundation, causing even more serious problems.
5. Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
You might not think that peeling paint or wallpaper is a big deal, but it can actually be a sign of a serious problem. In some cases, peeling paint or wallpaper is the result of water seeping through the cracks or holes in your gutters and running down the side of your house. In other cases, it can be the result of mold or mildew growth.
When gutters overflow, the water can seep into your home’s walls and cause the paint or wallpaper to peel. If you notice any peeling paint or wallpaper in your home, it’s important to have the issue inspected by a professional to determine the root cause.
6. Leaking Gutters Can Contribute to Mold or Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew growth is another common sign of leaking gutters. They typically form in damp, dark areas, such as basements or attics. If you notice any musty odors or visible mold growth in your home, it’s likely because of trapped moisture
When you have leaking gutters or your gutters are clogged and overflow, the water can seep into your home and create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. This can not only damage your home, but it can also pose a serious health risk to you and your family. It’s of the utmost importance to have any mold or mildew growth in your home removed as soon as possible.
7. Musty Odors
If you notice musty odors in your home, it’s likely because of mold or mildew growth. As we mentioned above, mold and mildew typically form in damp, dark areas, such as basements or attics. Leaks in your roof or leaking gutters can allow water to seep inside your walls leading to damp conditions. If you notice any musty odors in your home, it’s important to have the issue inspected by a professional to determine the root cause.
8. Insect Infestations
Insect infestations are another common problem associated with leaking gutters. When gutters overflow, the water can seep into your home and create the perfect environment for insects to thrive. This can not only damage your home, but it can also pose a serious health risk to you and your family. Also, repairing the damage caused by insects like termites can be very expensive.
If you notice any insects in your home, it’s important to have the issue inspected by a professional to determine the root cause. It’s also important to have any insect infestations in your home removed as soon as possible.
Conclusion
If you notice any of the above signs, it’s important to have the issue inspected by a professional to determine the root cause. If you suspect leaking gutters as the culprit, the professionals at On the Edge Gutters can inspect and repair your gutters.