Did you know gutters are a vital part of your roofing system? Without properly draining gutters, water can collect on and along your roof, leading to shingle damage and leaks. To prevent these issues, watch out for these five common gutter problems and implement these solutions to protect your home from damage!
Top 5 Gutter Problems and Solutions
1. Sagging Gutters
The Problem
As water, leaves, and other debris collect in your gutters, the weight can drag on your gutter, causing it to sag. If your gutter is sagging in one area, it will not drain properly and create excess stress on that section of the gutter.
A sagging gutter could be due to loose hangers (weakened hardware connecting the gutter to the house) or gutters that are spaced too far apart.
The Solution
If you have sagging gutters, sometimes it’s a simple solution of disconnecting and rehanging the damaged section with stronger hardware connecting it to your home. However, if the sagging has been ongoing and has damaged the gutters structurally, you may need new gutters. In this case, speak to a professional for the best solution.
2. Leaking Gutters
The Problem
After a storm – when water is pouring through your gutters – is the best time to assess them for damage. Do you notice water streaming down from the middle of your gutter – likely from a leak? Leaking gutters can happen easily and go unnoticed, yet they could cause major home damage. For example, a gutter leak can run down your home’s siding, creating areas of wood rot and weakening your home’s foundation.
The Solution
Luckily, patching a leaky gutter is usually an easy fix. Purchase gutter sealant to caulk all the seams and use a patching kit – of the same material as your gutter – to cover any large holes. However, if you see multiple large holes or significant damage to your gutters, call a professional to perform repair or a gutter replacement.
3. Improperly Pitched Gutters
The Problem
For water to flow effectively off your roof and out of your gutters, everything needs to be properly angled or pitched. The industry standard is at least a quarter inch for every 10 feet of gutter. Without proper pitching, you will have standing water in your gutters, leaving the door open for sagging, clogging, and leaking.
The Solution
To fix improperly pitched gutters, you may need to bend and refasten your gutters back in place. For larger pitch issues, you may need complete reinstallation of your gutters by a professional.
4. Inadequate Gutters
The Problem
Unfortunately, some homes don’t have properly installed gutters, or they don’t have enough gutters for the home’s size. If you have inadequate gutters, it means all the issues in this list are magnified. Having the best gutters in place is important to prevent damage to your home’s siding or foundation, especially during and after storms.
The Solution
With an improperly installed or inadequate gutter system, your best solution is starting over. Hire a professional roofing company to complete a new gutter installation with superior products and installation, giving you the best outcome for the size and needs of your home.
5. Clogged Gutters
The Problem
The most common problem with gutters is clogging. When they become clogged with debris, water can’t drain properly. This means water may overflow out of your gutters, streaming down your home and causing damage to the siding or foundation.
The Solution
The good thing is that it’s easy to address clogged gutters – clean them out! We recommend setting a twice-yearly routine for gutter maintenance, including a thorough cleaning and checking for damage. It is best to do your gutter cleaning in late fall and early spring.
Need Help With Gutters or Roofing?
Problems with your gutters mean problems with your entire roofing system. That’s why at Perimeter Roofing, we offer services to meet all your exterior home needs. From gutter replacement to roof repair and installation, we are ready to serve your home with the best. Contact us for a free inspection or to ask questions about your gutter system!
