Gutters may seem like a small part of your home, but ignoring damaged or broken gutters can lead to big, expensive problems. At Lexington Roof Company, we often see homeowners delay gutter repairs—only to face serious water damage down the road.
If your gutters are cracked, sagging, leaking, or pulling away from your home, don’t wait. Let’s look at exactly what can go wrong when broken gutters are left untreated.
Water Damage to Your Roof and Fascia
When gutters don’t work properly, water has nowhere to go. Instead of flowing away from your home, rainwater overflows and runs back onto your roof and under the shingles. This causes wood rot, mold, and even leaks inside your home.
The fascia board, which supports your gutter system, is usually made of wood. It can soften, warp, and rot when exposed to constant moisture. That means more repairs—and higher costs.
Damage to Your Home’s Foundation
This is one of the most serious and expensive issues. Gutters are designed to guide rainwater away from your foundation. When they’re broken, water pools around your home’s base and starts to seep into the soil.
Over time, this can cause:
- Foundation cracks
- Basement leaks or flooding
- Uneven floors or walls shifting
By avoiding a simple gutter repair, you may end up facing thousands of dollars in foundation repair costs.
Soil Erosion and Landscape Damage
Broken gutters can destroy the look of your yard. Water that pours over the sides of your gutters can erode your flower beds, wash away mulch, and damage your lawn.
If you’ve invested in landscaping, you’ll want to protect it. All that water rushing off your roof instead of through downspouts can undo years of gardening in just one storm.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Water that isn’t drained properly can soak into your home’s walls, attic, and basement. Damp areas are the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can grow fast and affect the air quality inside your home.
Mold can also cause health problems—especially for people with allergies or asthma. The cost to remove mold can be high, so it’s better to prevent it by fixing your gutters early.
Pest Infestation
Clogged or broken gutters often collect standing water. This becomes the perfect place for mosquitoes, insects, and even rodents to breed or nest.
Birds, squirrels, and bugs can enter through rotting fascia boards or openings in your roof caused by water damage. What started as a broken gutter can turn into a pest control issue.
Stained Siding and Exterior Walls
When gutters aren’t doing their job, rainwater runs down the sides of your house. Over time, this leaves behind dirt, debris, and dark streaks on your siding or brick.
This doesn’t just look bad—it also wears down your siding and can lead to mildew or structural problems if water soaks into the walls.
Shortened Gutter Lifespan
Small problems like a loose bracket or small crack are easy to fix. But if ignored, they can lead to gutters pulling away from the roof, bending, or even falling off completely.
Once the damage reaches this stage, you’ll likely need a full gutter replacement instead of a minor repair. Regular maintenance can keep your system in great shape for years.
So, What Should You Do?
If you see any signs of damage—such as leaks, overflowing water, sagging gutters, or rust—it’s time to call a professional. We offer fast and reliable gutter repair services for homeowners across the area.
We’ll inspect your entire gutter system, fix any damage, and make sure your home stays safe and dry during every season.
Protect Your Home Before It’s Too Late
Your gutters play a huge role in protecting your home’s structure and value. Don’t let a small issue turn into a major headache. Fixing broken gutters is quick, affordable, and worth every penny.
If you’re unsure whether your gutters need attention, reach out to Lexington Roof Company. We’re happy to take a look and give you honest advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I know if my gutters need repair?
Look for water overflowing during rain, sagging sections, cracks, or peeling paint near the gutters. These are signs you need a repair.
Q2: Can I fix my gutters myself?
Small clogs or loose screws can be handled by homeowners, but bigger problems should be left to professionals to avoid injury and ensure long-term fixes.
Q3: How much does gutter repair cost?
It depends on the extent of the damage. Minor repairs can cost less than $200, while major fixes may be more. At Lexington Roof Company, we offer free quotes.
Q4: How often should I check my gutters?
We recommend inspecting your gutters twice a year—once in spring and once in fall—or after major storms.
Q5: Do broken gutters always lead to roof problems?
Not always, but if left unfixed, they can cause water to back up onto your roof, which leads to costly damage.
