After a series of Michigan thunderstorms sent leaves, pine needles, and grit into your gutters this last spring, they have become clogged, and you haven’t even noticed it. For weeks, water has been pooling in your gutter system, littered with organic material, and the mold has begun to grow. The next thing you know, your daughter, who has been sick with a sniffle for several days, starts complaining about a musty smell in her upstairs bedroom. What could it be? And is it to blame for her sneezing, congestion, and runny nose?
You may be puzzled about what is happening in your home, but this scenario is a common one. Designed to move water from your roof and away from the structure and foundation, blocked gutters are not able to function properly. One of the many problems clogged gutters cause is water pooling inside the gutters, attracting pests and harboring dangerous mold and bacteria. If left unchecked and unresolved, these problems can cause more than damage to your gutters and your home; they can pose serious health risks.
Below, you will find the ultimate guide on the different illnesses that clogged gutters can cause. From mold to mice, you’ll discover why clogged gutters create serious situations that can cause harm to your health. Learning about the top contributors to health issues in the gutters, you’ll begin to understand why clogged gutters are a problem. Providing a list of physical symptoms that may indicate gutter problems, we’ll guide you on how to address a problem when you find it, and what to do if you can’t. By the end, you will not only recognize the hidden dangers in your gutters, but you’ll also learn how to spot the physical symptoms and take action before the problem grows (literally).
Why Clogged Gutters Pose Health Risks
Here in Traverse City, where our springs are wet, winters are snowy, and we’re surrounded by beautiful foliage, clogged gutters can be more than a maintenance hassle; they can create conditions that make your family sick. Especially near wooded areas or with landscaping that overhangs roof lines, leaves, pine needles, twigs, and dirt can plug up gutters and block water flow. Even if gutters are partially blocked, this still allows water to get stagnant and create potential problems.
The consequences of blocked drainage can be devastating. Besides things like damage to your siding, foundation, or landscaping, clogged gutters can also pose serious health problems. The accumulation of organic material combined with standing water provides a nutrient-rich environment for pests, molds, and bacteria alike. If these clogs are not found and resolved promptly, damage to the gutter, fascia boards, the foundation, or all three can allow the water and its contaminants to seep inside the home. Not to mention, mold spores are airborne, easily finding their way into your indoor air system. Pests can also find their way inside, especially if they have been using the gutter system for breeding or nesting. In the end, outdoor gutter problems can cause a whole host of indoor problems. Let’s take a look at the health risks associated with blocked gutters.
Health Risks Associated with Clogged Gutters
The two most common culprits of health issues, stemming from clogged gutters, are mold growth and pest infestations. Below, we’ll take a look at each of these problems, learning why clogged gutters are the ideal environment for these issues and the potential health impacts of each. It is important to note that individuals who have compromised or weak immune systems, such as young children and the elderly, and those with known respiratory issues, are at an increased risk for these problems.
Mold Growth
Mold and mildew love to grow in wet, dark places. What better environment than a clogged gutter! The moisture and rotting organic material, along with a lack of sunlight, make clogged gutters the perfect location for mold. Different types of mold can grow, with Stachybotrys, known as black mold, being one of the most toxic. The humid summers of Traverse City and frequent precipitation make mold a possible threat if gutters are poorly maintained or clogged. What makes mold even more dangerous, its spores are invisible and airborne, easily making their way into a home’s HVAC system, spreading the spores throughout the house.
The following are the possible health impacts of having mold enter your home through clogged gutters.
- Respiratory (breathing) issues
- Asthma
- Allergic reactions (contact)
- Neurological issues
Pest Infestations
Standing water in the gutter system can attract a variety of pests. The most common and dangerous are mosquitoes, rodents, and insects like cockroaches. While mosquitoes are attracted to standing water for breeding purposes, other pests like rodents, birds, and insects like to feed off of decaying debris that is inside the gutters. The fact of the matter is, clogged gutters provide food, water, and shelter to many unwanted house guests. Let’s look at the health risks associated with the most common (and dangerous) pests that can invade a home’s gutters.
Mosquitos
- West Nile Virus
- Zika Virus
- Dengue Fever
- Malaria
- Allergic reactions (bites)
Rodents
- Hauntavirus
- Leptospirosis
- Asthma
- Salmonella (droppings)
- Allergic reactions (droppings and urine)
Cockroaches
- E.Coli
- Salmonella
- Asthma
- Allergic reactions
Clogged gutters that go unnoticed can lead to damage to the walls, attic, or basement. These damaged areas can then become an entry point for these disease-carrying pests. If you or someone in your home is experiencing unexplained physical symptoms that aren’t going away, your gutters may be to blame. Let’s take a look at the physical symptoms that may indicate your gutters have a problem.
Physical Symptoms to Watch For
It’s hard to fix a problem when we don’t know we have one. That’s why when we are feeling under the weather or experiencing unusual symptoms, we need to pay attention. Listed below are symptoms that can be related to mold or pest infestations that you may otherwise minimize or brush off.
Mold-Related Symptoms
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Lung Irritation
- Throat irritation
- Eye irritation
- Coughing
- Skin rash
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
Pest-Related Symptoms
- Skin Irritation
- Bites
- Asthma
- Allergic reactions (sneezing, coughing, itchy or watery eyes, etc.)
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
Although some of these symptoms seem minimal, if they persist or increase in severity, especially in children, the elderly, or those who are immunocompromised, seek medical attention. Severe allergic reactions or those in respiratory distress need to seek immediate help.
Homeowners who suspect their health issues stem from gutter problems should address both the medical problems and the gutter problems as quickly as possible. Seeing a medical provider for health issues is a must, but what about your gutters?
What to Do If You Suspect a Problem in the Gutter
If you suspect gutter problems, the very first thing to do is to perform a thorough inspection. Using a sturdy ladder and gloves, check for debris, clogs, and standing water, and carefully look for mold and pests. For clogs, remove debris manually or with tools. Flush your gutters to ensure that the clog is clear and water is flowing efficiently.
Finding more than clogs, like discovering pests and mold, makes things a little more tricky, and urgent. Here’s what to do if you discover your gutters are clogged and how to address the issues of mold or pest infestation.
What to Do If You Find Clogs, Mold, or Pests
If your gutters are clogged and you are unable to safely clean them yourself, you should call in a local gutter company that can not only help you clean gutters, they can make any repairs or perform gutter replacements if needed. Other than cleaning the gutters and ensuring proper flow, the health risk must be taken care of as well.
Addressing Mold: Mold can be removed from your home’s gutter system by cleaning and sanitizing. This can be done by the homeowner, or for more significant issues, a professional may be the better option. If the mold problem has seeped its way inside, indoor mold remediation must be performed by a home restoration company that specializes in these types of problems. After the initial problem has been addressed, discuss the underlying water issue with your gutter contractor so the problem can be resolved and you can avoid mold problems in the future.
Addressing Pests: Again, the first step in eliminating these unwanted house guests is to eliminate gutter clogs and remove standing water. By making sure gutters are clear and functioning properly, you can get rid of what’s attracting the pests to your gutters in the first place. To get rid of the pests themselves, you may have to hire a licensed pest control company to safely get rid of these disease-carrying critters. Once the clog is clear and the pests are gone, make sure to seal any entry points that you can find to prevent these crafty creatures from using them again.
Depending on the degree of gutter problems, you may want to take this opportunity to consider gutter replacement. For gutter replacements in Traverse City, using a local and licensed company ensures that your home is in the hands of those who understand what your home needs to protect it from the unique Michigan climate. If your gutters aren’t old and damaged, simply in need of regular maintenance, remember that local gutter companies can do that for you, too.
Clear Gutters, Healthy Home
Clogged gutters in your Traverse City home may seem like a minor issue, but as you have learned, they can quickly turn into serious health hazards for you and your family. From mold growth triggered by standing water to pest infestations thriving in the decaying debris, neglected gutters can create a breeding ground for harmful contaminants that may creep into your home. Symptoms like persistent sneezing, coughing, headaches, or unexplained fatigue could all be warning signs of mold or pest-related issues stemming from the gutter system. By understanding the dangers and taking proactive steps, such as inspecting and cleaning your gutters, you can protect your home and health. Address mold and pest problems promptly, avoiding the hidden health hazards they pose. If you suspect gutter-related health issues, consult a medical professional for symptoms and consider reaching out to local professionals for gutter repair, gutter replacement, pest control, and mold remediation to ensure your home remains your safe haven well into the future.