Standing water in the gutters is caused by clogging, damaged hangers or installation errors that result in an improper gutter slope. Whatever the cause may be, standing water can cause many serious problems. In today’s post, your local provider of the best gutter guard systems, Gutter Helmet® of Northern Minnesota, discusses the dangers of standing water in your gutters.
1. Water Infiltration at the Roof Edge — Standing water in the gutters indicate a larger problem: the gutters may overflow when it’s raining. This can lead to rainwater infiltrating the roof deck through the roof’s edge. This kind of damage is not easily noticeable, and you might not see signs like water stains and leaks until it’s too late.
2. Damage to the House Foundation — Gutters with standing water are more likely to overflow, which would defeat the purpose of having gutters in the first place. Gutter systems are supposed to prevent rainwater from pooling near the house foundation, which could result in gradual damage and compromise the house’s structural integrity.
3. Damage to Landscaping — Overflowing rainwater may also result in damage to surrounding landscaping. Too much water can over-irrigate plants in your garden.
4. Damage to the Gutter System — Standing water increases the weight of the gutter troughs, which places additional strain on the fasteners even when it’s not raining. During winter, standing water in the gutters may freeze, causing further damage and resulting in parts of the gutters falling to the ground from the excess pressure.
5. Ice Dams — While ice dams are primarily caused by insufficient attic insulation and ventilation, standing water in the gutters can contribute to ice dams. An ice reduction system like Helmet Heat®—an optional Gutter Helmet feature—can help reduce ice dams, however, addressing the underlying causes is the ideal solution.
Ultimately, the solution to standing water is making sure the gutters are installed properly and remain clean and clog-free at all times. Also, consider investing in gutter guard systems like Gutter Helmet. For more information, call Gutter Helmet of Northern Minnesota at (800) 824-3772. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Culver, MN, and surrounding communities.
