Opal Enterprises Inc Logo
  • Naperville

    630-355-6557
  • Des Plaines

    847-380-8868
  • Windows
    • Composite
    • Fiberglass
    • Vinyl
    • Wood
    • Choosing a Window
  • Doors
    • Front Entry
    • Patio
  • Siding
    • James Hardie
    • Stone Veneer
    • Vinyl
  • Areas We Serve
    • All Chicago Suburbs
    • Naperville Showroom
    • Des Plaines Showroom
    • Arlington Heights
    • Evanston
    • Glen Ellyn
    • Glenview
    • Plainfield
    • St. Charles
    • Wheaton
  • Our Partners
    • Kolbe
    • Andersen
    • Provia
    • James Hardie
  • About Us
    • Specials
    • FAQs
    • Blog
    • Accreditations
    • Meet the Team
    • Careers
    • Inspiration
    • Opal Enterprises Scholarship Programs
      • Entrepreneurial Students Scholarship
  • Warranties
    • Warranty Request
  • Contact Us
    • Contact
  • Naperville
    630-355-6557
  • Des Plaines
    847-380-8868
opal lifetime warranty

How Poorly Performing Gutters Can Damage Your Home

35% OFF all Labor for Windows & Doors Installed.

Free Quote
Brochure

    Rating

    4.8

    rating info

    Rating

    A+

    rating info

    Rating

    4.8

    rating info

    Rating

    4.9

    rating info

    Home » Blog » Articles » How Poorly Performing Gutters Can Damage Your Home

    Posted on: June 5, 2014

    How Poorly Performing Gutters Can Damage Your Home

    James-Hardie-Siding-Boothbay-Blue-Westmont-3As homeowners, we take a lot of things for granted. We expect our roofing to last forever, we assume our windows will remain draft-free and we expect our gutters to keep directing water away from our homes. But we know intuitively that nothing lasts forever. We realize that our roofing will need to be replaced at some point in the future. Our windows will steadily lose their ability to prevent drafts. And our gutters will become less and less effective at carrying rainwater from our roofing to the ground. Troubled gutters present a unique problem because they’re so often dismissed as a low priority. Many homeowners figure that water runoff will somehow reach the ground, even if their gutters are in bad shape. While that assumption is technically correct, it ignores the fact that poorly-performing gutters will still expose your home to considerable damage.

    Gutters, Gutter Guards, And Downspouts: A Primer

    It’s important to be familiar with how your gutter system works in order to fully appreciate the problems that can surface when it fails. There are 3 basic components of every system: the gutters, gutter guards, and downspouts. Gutters are simple pathways that are installed along the perimeter of a home’s roof. They collect rainwater and other water runoff. They’re installed to slope at a slight degree so that the water travels toward the downspouts. The downspouts are vertically-installed pipes. Their job is to carry water from the gutters to the ground. The bottom of each downspout is arched away from the home to prevent water from collecting in the foundation. Gutter guards are found at the junctures where the gutters connect to the downspouts. They come in different formats, but perform the same basic job — they allow water to pass into the downspouts while preventing debris from doing the same. Together, properly working gutters, gutter guards, and downspouts ensure that water runoff doesn’t damage your home

    Questions? Call 847-380-8868 in Des Plaines and 630-355-6557 in Naperville

    When Your Gutters Become Clogged

    If you neglect to periodically clean out your gutters, they may eventually become clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris. Seemingly harmless, a blockage will cause water runoff to back up, exposing your home to damage. For example, your gutters may overflow, with water spilling over the sides onto your home’s foundation. If the water collects there, it can drench the soil. In turn, the soil, made heavier by the water, can cause cracks to develop in the foundation. Suppose the water doesn’t spill over the sides of your gutters. Instead, it remains trapped within the pathways. This places your fascias at risk. The fascias, typically constructed of wood, are located under the edge of your roof behind your gutters. They run horizontally along your roof’s perimeter. Clogged gutters will expose the boards to water, which can slowly cause them to rot and fall apart.

    Damage To The Foundation Can Lead To Mold Growth

    A cracked foundation can set the stage for mold growth. As cracks allow water to leak into your home, mold will develop in the flooring, basement, and walls. The more humidity there is in the air, the faster and more extensive the growth. Mold in the home can trigger asthmatic attacks, as well as a variety of allergic reactions. Some individuals may even experience respiratory issues. The severity of the symptoms varies by the individual.

    Learn more about our top-of-the-line products in Naperville 630-355-6557

    Cracks, Leaks, And Other Signs Of Trouble

    How can you determine whether your home’s gutter system is working properly? First, get into the habit of cleaning your gutters at least twice a year. That alone should prevent blockages that cause water to back up and spill over the sides. Second, while you’re cleaning your gutters, look for cracks. Make a note of any that you find, even if they’re tiny. Small cracks will grow with time, allowing water runoff to fall onto your home’s foundation. Apply silicone caulk to fill the cracks. Third, listen to how your gutters perform on rainy days. You’ll be able to tell when rainwater is being properly directed to the downspouts. You’ll also be able to tell when water is overflowing the sides of your gutters and hitting the ground beneath them. When your gutters fail to do their job properly, your home becomes vulnerable to extensive water damage. It’s important to identify the reason (or reasons) for the failure as soon as possible. Small problems, such as tiny cracks or clogs stemming from accumulated debris, can be easily addressed. Bigger issues may warrant replacing the entire gutter system.

    Are you ready to transform your home? Schedule your free virtual consultation

    Articles Blog Posts:

    Top 5 Problems That Indicate Your Home Needs A Siding Replacement

      The siding on your home is easy to ignore - for awhile. Eventually, you'll need to invest in quality siding replacement and James Hardie siding installation will be perfect solution. Homes

    Stone Veneer Siding Can Enhance Your Home

      Have you ever driven through a neighborhood where every single house looks exactly the same? Even if a home is nice, it can still look plain at times if it is simple on the outside. Homes

    We couldn’t pass up windows with colors made to complement James Hardie Siding!

      Opal is proud to now offer, Beechworth Windows! With exteriors made of durable fiberglass, and colors to complement James Hardie ColorPlus®, Beechworth is a remarkable new

    4 Ways to Enhance Your Windows for Spring

    Spring is here! Make sure to let the light shine in! We've made a list of our 4 favorite spring window treatments on Houzz! Our favorite! No window treatments! Call Opal for windows that stand

    icon

    Visit a Showroom Near You!

    Stop by anytime during our office hours to browse, or schedule an appointment for a guided tour and expert assistance!

      FAQs

      How Do I Know If My Windows Need Replacing?

      How Do I Know If My Windows Need Replacing?

      How Much does a Window Installation Cost?

      How Much does a Window Installation Cost?

      How Much Does an Entry Door Installation Cost?

      How Much Does an Entry Door Installation Cost?

      Recent Posts

      • Windows That Protect My Furniture in Elmwood Park
      • Why Opal Exteriors for Your Home’s Siding in Brookfield, IL
      • Why Are My Window Screens Ripping in Frankfort?
      • What Is the Opal Exteriors Difference in Barrington?
      • What Are Energy-Efficient Doors in Burr Ridge, IL?
      icon

      Customer Reviews

      Rating

      4.8

      rating info

      Rating

      A+

      rating info

      Rating

      4.8

      rating info

      Rating

      4.9

      rating info

      "Wonderful Crew From Beginning To The End. Great workmanship and customer service!"

      - Jo T

      See All Reviews

      The Opal Experience

      Homeowner Story in Glen Ellyn Repeat Customer Story Homeowner Shows Her New Windows Madeline and Ed Chose Opal
      See All Videos
      Homeowner Story in Glen Ellyn with James Hardie Siding & Andersen Windows
      Play Now
      Opal Enterprises Repeat Customer Story in Naperville! Roofing then Siding!
      Play Now
      Homeowner Shows Her New Windows Installed by Opal Enterprises in Naperville
      Play Now
      Madeline and Ed are Happy they chose Opal Enterprises for window replacement
      Play Now
      icon

      Manufacturers You Can Trust

      slider info
      slider info
      slider info
      slider info
      icon

      Inspiration Gallery

      VIEW IMAGES FROM PINTEREST
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      • img
      icon

      Lifetime Warranty

      On Windows & Doors That We Install

      opal lifetime warranty

      LIFETIME WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY

      Opal Enterprise offers a competitive lifetime workmanship warranty on your windows and doors that we install!

      Learn More
      icon

      Contact us

      Have a question or comment? Reach out to our team today!

        map

        DES PLAINES LOCATION

        1239 Rand Rd
        Des Plaines, IL 60016

        Phone: 847-380-8868

        Visit Showroom

        NAPERVILLE LOCATION

        127 Ambassador Dr.
        STE 159
        Naperville, IL 60540

        Phone: 630-355-6557

        Visit Showroom

        Our Specialities

        • Windows
        • Doors
        • Siding
        • FAQs
        • Blog
        • Warranty

        Areas We serve

        • Naperville
        • Des Plaines
        • Arlington Heights
        • Glenview
        • St. Charles
        • All Chicago Suburbs

        About Us

        • Accreditations
        • Careers
        • Meet the Team
        • Resources
        • Specials
        • Privacy Policy

        Opal Locations

        • Naperville Location 127 Ambassador Dr. STE 159 Naperville, IL 60540
          Phone: 630-538-7572
        • Visit location
        • Des Plaines Location 1239 Rand Rd Des Plaines, IL 60016
          Phone: 847-908-9766
        • Visit location

        © Copyright 2022 Opal Enterprises Inc All rights reserved.