![\"gutter](\"https:\/\/www.petercox.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/i-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is a leaking gutter a problem?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Leaking or overflowing gutters will not resolve themselves, so ignoring them is not wise and could lead to penetrating damp. Penetrating damp is due to water infiltration from the outside of a property to the inside, and this can be caused by faulty rainwater goods at the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Penetrating damp can affect any building with absorbent walls such as solid brick or stone walls. If left untreated it can result in significant structural damage to your property over time. This can include damage to the brickwork, the deterioration of external render or internal plaster on walls, additional heat loss as the wall is wet, and wet or dry rot in structural timber, resulting in changes to the structural integrity of the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from these more serious issues, penetrating damp can also cause a musty smell in the home, and lead to damaged wallpaper and paint. The key to treating penetrating damp is to first identify and rectify the source of water ingress into the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, although gutters may be the issue, do not forget that the downpipes and drains also need to flow easily or penetrating damp can occur elsewhere. It is a good idea to check all three every few months to ensure overflow in heavy cloudbursts is less likely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n