When you don't clean the gutters, the drain can become clogged due to leaves, debris, or any matter that could end up there. This obstruction then allows standing water to build up and eventually overflow. If left unattended, the leaves that clog the gutter can begin to decay and eventually rot. When gutters are clogged and temperatures drop below freezing, ice causes problems in several ways.
Clogged gutters become heavy and can detach from your home. If water runs through the gutters to the terrace, driveway or sidewalks, it can freeze and cause a risk of slipping. If the gutters are clogged, they will fill with water. This standing water can come into contact with roof tiles and cause them to deteriorate faster than normal.
Water can also penetrate the underlying cover and cause it to rot. A rotten roof, even along the edges that come into contact with the gutters, can cause water to enter the house, which, of course, is best avoided. The primary function of gutters is to ensure that water drains in an orderly manner.
