When most of us think of gutters, we think of water running off our roofs, traveling through the gutter troughs, and exiting through the downspouts safely away from the home. While protecting our homes from water damage is the primary job of gutters, it’s not the only one. Many homeowners have no idea that the health of their gutter system is directly related to the quality of their indoor air. Here in Central Ohio, where seasonal storms and heavy foliage are a part of life, our gutters are vulnerable to moisture issues and malfunction without proper care and maintenance. When gutters become clogged, damaged, or overwhelmed, water isn’t the only thing that seeps into the home. When water can make its way indoors, mold, mildew, bacteria, and other allergens enter the house, negatively affecting the quality of the air inside.
For homeowners concerned about the air quality in their homes, this guide offers an in-depth examination of how gutter health affects the air you breathe. Musty smells, increased humidity in the house, and persistent allergies may all be signs pointing toward gutter problems. But how do you know for sure if your gutters are affecting the air inside your home? Below, we’ll explain how gutters impact indoor air quality, the factors unique to London, Ohio, that raise the risks, and what signs to watch for in your own home. Most importantly, we’ll guide homeowners on how to maintain their gutters and ensure optimal indoor air quality.
Why Clean and Functional Gutters Matter for Indoor Air Quality
The primary role of gutters is to move water away from a home and protect it from water damage. When gutters are clogged, overflowing, or pulling away from the structure, water inevitably collects where it shouldn’t, causing a multitude of problems. Whether it’s gutter damage or a clog due to leaves, twigs, or shingle grit accumulating in the system, water overflows near the foundation below and backs up underneath the roofing material. Standing water in the gutter near the foundation provides the ideal environment for mold and bacterial growth. Whether it’s on the roof, in the attic, or in the walls, moisture that seeps in spells out the beginning of trouble if not immediately addressed. Below are some of the effects that dirty or damaged gutters have on indoor air quality:
Moisture and Mold: Mold and mildew only require three conditions to thrive. The first is moisture, followed by organic material, and lastly, the right temperature. The inside of your home already contains two of the three ingredients, organic material (wood) and moderate temperatures. With the addition of water intrusion from faulty gutters, you have the perfect recipe for disaster. Mold spores can readily travel through the indoor air and trigger a variety of health-related issues.
Increased Humidity: Improper water drainage from gutters can increase humidity inside, especially in homes with basements and lower levels. Humidity is a leading factor in the growth of mold and mildew, but it also encourages the collection of dust mites.
Pest Infestations: Nothing screams “home sweet home” to certain pests like a gutter full of rotten debris and standing water. Small animals, such as rodents and birds, as well as insects, are attracted to dirty gutters with a water source. Once they establish themselves in the gutters, these pests can make their way indoors and contribute to allergens through their droppings or dander.
Structural Damage: Gutters that are not maintained and cared for properly have the potential to cause structural damage after extended periods of neglect. If leaks go unnoticed, wood will eventually rot, soffits will weaken, and rooflines will be damaged, creating air gaps that allow humid or contaminated air from outside to infiltrate the home.
As you can see, clean gutters not only offer protection against water damage in your home but also help protect it from harmful indoor air conditions. Whether allergens enter through natural air exchange or circulate through the home every time the furnace or air conditioner kicks on, they can persist for months (or even years) if the source of the problem is not addressed. Let’s turn our attention for a moment to explore the unique climate of Ohio, which raises the risk of poor air quality stemming from gutters.
How Ohio’s Climate Raises the Risks
The climate in Central Ohio can put gutters to a real test. Here’s how the climate creates the perfect storm for gutter-related air quality issues:
Heavy Rainfall: Ohio is blessed with consistent precipitation throughout the year. With heavy rains in the spring and fall, and snowmelt in the winter, homes in Ohio require functioning gutters to prevent water problems. Clogged gutters will quickly overflow in these conditions, allowing water to flow directly into areas prone to mold growth.
Humidity: Ohio summers are humid! Summers often have humidity levels above 70%, keeping materials trapped in the gutters damp for more extended periods than in drier climates.
Freeze and Thaw Cycles: Winters here can be wild with sleet, snow, and freezing rain. Add to that temperatures that fluctuate between freezing and above-freezing, plus poorly functioning or clogged gutters, and you get small leaks that can turn into major ice dams. Ice dams force water into the attic, leading to issues with air quality if left unaddressed.
Foliage: Heavy pollen in the spring and shedding fall foliage generate an endless amount of organic debris that enters gutter systems, quickly accumulating and causing clogs if gutters are not properly maintained.
Windy Conditions: Thunderstorms, microbursts, and winter storms are common in Ohio, which can knock off leaves, branches, and debris into gutters, creating clogs quickly and unexpectedly.
When these factors are combined, they create the perfect conditions for mold growth and pest infestations, especially if gutters are not regularly maintained and inspected. Now, you may be wondering, “How does indoor air quality impact the health of the home’s occupants?”Let’s find out.
Health Hazards Linked to Dirty and Malfunctioning Gutters
If gutters aren’t functioning correctly, they can trigger a chain reaction that ultimately leads to poor indoor air quality. The quality of the air we breathe has a major impact on our health. Here are the most common issues that start with neglected gutters and end up affecting air quality inside:
Mold: Mold spores can easily infiltrate the home, either through the gutters or from water that has seeped inside. Mold spores can cause:
- Allergies
- Headaches
- Asthma attacks
- Coughing/Wheezing
- Skin irritation
- Respiratory irritation
Bacteria: Stagnant water and damp materials in the home’s structure become a breeding ground for a plethora of harmful bacteria. Bacteria that become airborne pose the following health risks:
- Respiratory irritation or infection (coughing, throat irritation, bronchitis, asthma attacks, upper respiratory infections)
- Allergic reactions (sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, skin rashes, sinus congestion)
- Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Compromised immunity
Pest-Related Allergens: Areas in the gutter that collect debris and have standing water attract pests that can introduce allergens such as dander, droppings, and airborne contaminants. These particles can cause:
- Allergies
- Asthma attacks
- Disease transmission (Hantavirus, Salmonella, Leptospirosis, West Nile Virus)
- Food and surface contamination
- Skin reactions and bites
VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds: Water infiltration can cause moisture in drywall, insulation, and flooring to release volatile organic compounds. Certain molds also release VOCs as they grow. Breathing in these chemicals can create the following health risks:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Respiratory problems
- An increased risk of allergic reactions
- Potential long-term health effects (liver stress, kidney stress, hormone disruption, potential increased cancer risk)
These contaminants are especially harmful to sensitive individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with asthma or severe allergies. If you suspect your gutters are the instigator of health issues in your home, local rain gutter contractors can expertly inspect your system and provide the proper maintenance and repair to get your gutters in proper working order and improve the air quality inside the home.
Signs Your Indoor Air Quality May Be Unhealthy
There are several warning signs that homeowners can identify before they notice visible mold, water damage, or pests. Watch for these clues around your home and related to the health of those living there:
- Earthy or musty odors, especially after a storm.
- Unexplained or worsening allergies when indoors.
- Condensation forming on windows.
- Increase in indoor humidity.
- Cold or damp spots on interior walls or ceilings.
- Water stains on exterior walls and soffits.
- Persistent upper respiratory problems.
- Frequent headaches or fatigue when inside.
- Moss or mildew growth on gutters, roof, or exterior walls.
- Water is pooling around the foundation.
- Overflowing gutters during rainfall
If these symptoms are present, your gutters may not be functioning properly and could be affecting your indoor air quality. To maintain healthy indoor air quality in your home, read below to learn how to optimize your gutters for optimal indoor air quality.
5 Tips to Keep Gutters Functioning and Indoor Air Quality at Its Best
1. Clean your gutters at least twice a year. If you are unable to perform this task yourself, many rain gutter contractors offer maintenance packages to keep gutters in optimal working condition through every season.
2. Conduct regular inspections of your gutter system, including the attic. Look for damaged gutters, loose or sagging sections, signs of corrosion, mold, and signs of overflowing after storms. In the attic, look for water stains, condensation, damaged insulation, and signs of mold or mildew growth.
3. Consider working with rain gutter contractors in London to have gutter guards installed. Gutter guards are a wise investment to block debris from collecting in gutters that lead to clogs.
4. Trim overhanging trees and branches that can easily deposit material in the gutters. Fewer leaves and twigs hanging over the roof mean fewer materials to clog gutters.
5. Schedule a professional inspection to evaluate your system, identify any hidden issues, and ensure your gutters aren’t negatively impacting the indoor air quality of your home.
Breathe Easy With Clean Gutters
Did you realize the critical role that gutters play in the indoor air quality of your home? As you can see, they play a much bigger role than just diverting water away from your home. Gutters are an essential part of a home and play a pivotal role in its health and that of its occupants. Those who keep their gutters clean and prepared for the ever-changing Ohio seasons can significantly improve the indoor air quality and protect themselves and others from mold, allergens, and moisture damage. Keeping your gutter clean and in working condition is one of the simplest ways to help your family breathe easier all year long.