What problems can blocked gutters cause to your home?

How do blocked gutters cause damp?

Blocked gutters cause damp because rainwater spills over the edge and runs down the same patch of wall every time it rains. The brickwork or stone stays wet, and the moisture works through to the inside, showing as damp patches, peeling paint or black mould, often in upstairs corners. Solid-walled older terraced houses, common across Blackburn, have no cavity to stop the water, so they're especially prone.

What damage can they do to brickwork and stone?

Blocked gutters damage brickwork and stone by keeping them saturated. When saturated walls freeze, the water expands and breaks off the surface of bricks and stone, called spalling. Mortar washes out of the joints, which lets in more water. Green algae and white salt stains are early warning signs on the wall below a blocked gutter.

Can blocked gutters damage the roof?

Blocked gutters can damage the roof edge. Water that backs up behind a full gutter can soak the fascia board and the ends of the roof timbers, causing rot. Over time this weakens the fixing for the gutter brackets, so the gutter starts to sag. Water can also get under the bottom row of tiles or slates.

Why do blocked gutters sag and break?

Blocked gutters sag and break because a gutter full of wet silt and standing water is far heavier than it was designed to carry. The extra weight pulls brackets loose and opens up joints, which then leak even after the gutter is cleaned. Frozen water in a blocked gutter can split plastic fittings.

Can they affect foundations and drains?

Blocked gutters can affect foundations and drains. Water pouring off the roof in one place soaks the ground beside the house, which can wash soil away, make paths and patios settle, and raise damp levels in a cellar or at the base of the wall. If debris gets into the downpipe, it can travel on and block the drain below.

Do blocked gutters attract pests?

Blocked gutters can attract pests. Damp debris is a home for insects, and plants and seeds attract birds and rodents.

How do you prevent these problems?

You prevent these problems by keeping gutters clear and fixing small faults early. A yearly gutter clean in late autumn suits most Blackburn homes, and a contractor can point out leaking joints or loose brackets while they're there. If damage has started, gutter repairs usually cost far less than repairing the walls and fascias.