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Home & Roofing
How do fall leaves affect my roof, gutters and foundation?
Leaves clog gutters and hold moisture against your roof. And in North Texas, there's a second problem: overflowing gutters can dump rainwater right next to your foundation, where the expansive clay soil swells when it's wet. A fall cleanout protects both your roof and your foundation.
What leaves do to your roof
- They hold water. Wet leaves piled in roof valleys and corners stay damp for days. Shingles that stay wet wear faster, and moisture can work its way under them.
- They back water up. When gutters fill with leaves, rain has nowhere to go. It can spill back under the edge of the roof and soak the fascia boards and decking behind the gutter.
- They feed growth. Decaying leaves keep the roof surface damp and can encourage moss and algae, especially on shaded sides of the house.
- They add weight. Gutters packed with wet leaves get heavy and can pull loose from the house.
Why it matters for your foundation in Rockwall
Much of North Texas sits on expansive clay soil, which swells when it's wet and shrinks when it's dry. The trouble comes from uneven moisture. When a clogged gutter overflows in one spot, the soil on that side of the house stays soaked while the rest dries out. That uneven swelling and shrinking puts stress on the foundation over time.
That's why downspouts should carry water several feet away from the foundation, onto ground that slopes away from the house.
Learn more: Drainage and grading on North Texas clay soil
A fall checklist
- Clean gutters and downspouts after most of the leaves have fallen, and again after big storms.
- Clear leaves out of roof valleys and off flat or low-slope areas.
- Make sure every downspout empties several feet from the house, using extensions or splash blocks if needed.
- Check that the ground slopes away from the foundation on all sides.
- Look for sagging gutters, peeling paint or soft spots on the fascia boards.
- Trim branches hanging over the roof to cut down on leaves next year.
Stay safe
Ladder work and walking on a roof are common causes of falls. If your roof is steep or high, or you're not comfortable on a ladder, have a professional handle it. A roofer can also check for damage while they're up there.