Gutters drain rainwater from your roof and channel it away from your home’s exterior and foundation. Like any part of your house, they could develop issues due to weather extremes and normal wear and tear. If you believe your gutters have problems, you must have them checked and fixed immediately. Doing so can help ensure your humble abode remains protected against water damage.
Keep reading to discover some of the most common gutter issues.
What Are the Most Common Gutter Problems?
Clogging
Trees can give more life to your property. They provide shade and eliminate airborne contaminants. However, they can cause leaves, twigs and seeds to accumulate in your gutters. When you don’t clean your gutters regularly, they will eventually get clogged.
Once debris obstructs your gutters, rainwater could back up to your roof and overflow to the rest of your home’s exterior. Roof damage, basement flooding, foundation issues and erosion are some of the most common problems that result from clogged gutters.
You can easily keep your gutters clog-free with regular cleaning. Another thing you could do is invest in quality gutter guards. They will prevent debris from entering your gutters, improving water flow and making maintenance more effortless.
Leaks
Leaky gutters are not something you should take lightly since they can cause water damage to your siding, windows and doors. Loose fasteners are usually the blame for this issue. Over time, the hangers or screws used to secure your gutters can shift and get loose.
Your gutters could also leak due to gaps, cracks and holes on their surface. Other reasons this problem occurs include poor maintenance and improper installation. Professionals can typically repair minor leaks. If your gutters have widespread damage, a replacement might be necessary.
Sagging
Clogged gutters are more likely to sag due to the weight of water and debris. In winter, snow can build up in your gutters, causing them to pull away from your home. It is also possible that your gutters are too small for your home. You may need wider gutters if heavy rains are common in your area.
When your gutters lack support, they will eventually sag. If this is the case, professionals could add extra support to the system. They could also replace the screws if the ones used to secure the gutters weren’t long enough to penetrate the fascia.
Incorrect Pitch
From afar, your gutters may look perfectly level. The truth is they have a slight slope to ensure efficient water flow. There should be at least a quarter inch of slope for every 10 feet of gutter. Water will pool in your gutters and drip to the sides of your home if you have an improperly pitched gutter system.
Hiring a reliable installer is the best way to ensure you have a correctly pitched gutter system. At Barry Best Seamless Gutters, you can always rely on us for superior craftsmanship. Our experienced team only installs high-quality seamless gutters and gutter guards.
Downspout Issues
Downspouts direct water safely away from your house. They must be installed several feet from your home to avoid basement flooding. Once water reaches your basement, it could travel to the foundation, risking structural damage.
If your downspouts develop damage or become misaligned, do not wait long before contacting professionals. Depending on the severity of the damage, they might repair or replace the affected sections.
Ice Dams
Homes with insufficient attic ventilation and insulation are more susceptible to ice dams. These ice formations often occur due to inconsistent attic temperatures. Ice dams can occur when the melted snow from the upper areas of the roof refreezes on its edges.
Ice dams will keep water from draining properly from your roof. Over time, the snowmelt can get beneath the shingles. As the temperature goes down, it will refreeze and lift the shingles from the roof. When this happens, water will enter your indoor spaces, causing moisture-related issues, such as rot, mold growth and even electrical problems.
The weight of ice dams can also cause your gutters to sag and separate from your home. You can reduce the risk of this problem by not allowing snow to build up on your roof. It will also help to ensure your attic has adequate insulation and ventilation.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Gutters in Top Shape?
Schedule Routine Cleaning
Have your gutters cleaned at least twice yearly, preferably in early spring and late fall. Regular cleaning ensures the system remains efficient and clog-free. Also, pests and small creatures are less likely to reside in well-maintained gutters.
Invest in Gutter Protection
With gutter guards, you will not have to clean your gutters as frequently. Leaves, pine needles and other debris can hold moisture and contribute to rust formation. Gutter guards can prevent this issue by keeping debris out of the system. Another great thing about them is that they can improve water flow by lowering the risk of clogs.
Do Not Delay Repairs
If you suspect your gutters are damaged, have professionals inspect them right away. Addressing issues fast will go a long way in extending the lifespan of your gutters. On the other hand, problems will only worsen when you ignore them. They can also make your home susceptible to extensive water damage.
Work With Reliable Professionals
Installing, cleaning and repairing gutters may seem like straightforward tasks. However, they require proper training and the use of the right tools. For your safety and to ensure the job is done right the first time, it is best to hire a reputable contractor. If your home has several stories, it is even more vital to let professionals handle the needs of your gutter system.
