Common Gutter Problems and How to Solve Them

A well-maintained gutter system plays an important role in protecting your home from water damage. When your gutters are working properly, they will minimize your risk against a spectrum of issues—ranging from roof leaks and damp basements to wood rot and compromised foundations.

Let’s explore the most common gutter problems homeowners face so you know how to spot potential issues and have a game plan to fix them.

Sagging Gutters

If your gutters are holding extra weight, they may start to sag. Water is heavy, weighing in at 8.34 pounds per gallon. A standard 20 foot run of gutters can hold about 200 pounds of water when filled to capacity. If the water cannot drain properly, it can cause your gutters to bend and pull away from your house due to excess strain.

Improper installation can also cause your gutters to sag. Support brackets should not be placed more than 3 feet apart. If your gutters are not properly supported, sagging can become a problem.

Sagging gutters can be fixed by cleaning your gutters to prevent blockages and tightening existing support brackets. If your gutter system does not have adequate support, you will need to add more. In extreme cases, your gutters may need to be replaced due to damage caused by sagging.

Clogged or Blocked Gutters

Clogged gutters are the most common problem homeowners face. Anything from leaves, twigs, nests, or pine needles can become lodged in your gutters. If debris is not regularly cleaned out, it can accumulate and block the flow of water through your gutter system. If your gutters are clogged, your gutters may sag or water will overflow, leading to foundational erosion.

The easiest way to prevent clogs is to regularly clean your gutters twice a year- once in the spring and once in the fall. While some homeowners choose to do this themselves, hiring professionals who can help identify any problems with your gutter system is recommended. If you want to go a step further, you can install gutter guards to keep debris out of your gutters.

Improper Slope

Your gutters should be at a slight angle, approximately ½ inch for every 10 feet of run, to direct the flow of water toward the downspout. If your gutter is not visibly leaking, but is struggling to drain properly, the root of the problem may be the slope.

We recommend hiring professionals to fix improperly sloped gutters. Rehanging your gutters is a difficult DIY project because it requires precision. Too much or too little slope can lead to water damage, sagging and leaks.

Backflow

Backflow occurs when rainwater flows off of the roof behind the gutters instead of into the gutter troughs. If the drip edge is damaged, missing or incorrectly installed, there will be excess space between the gutter and the fascia board which contributes to backflow.

It is important to fix backflow issues quickly to prevent water damage and pooling. If the drip edge is missing or damaged, have it replaced. If the gutters were not installed in the correct position, have them remounted by professionals.

Inadequate Guttering

If your gutter system isn’t designed to meet the needs of your property then you may experience persistent gutter problems, regardless of how well maintained your gutters are. The surface area of your roof, slope, and rainfall in your area will influence the size and style of guttering your home needs for optimal performance.

If your gutters are too small, a downpour could easily overwhelm your gutter system and damage your home. Unfortunately, if you have inadequate guttering, the best thing to do is replace your gutters and install a system that is specifically designed to handle the needs of your home.

Rusting Gutters

Trees shed leaves, pollen, flowers and seeds throughout the year. Some tree pollen is actually corrosive and can deteriorate your gutters by removing the protective coating. Without this coating, your gutters are especially susceptible to rust.

Small sections of rust on your gutters may be repaired by cleaning off the rusted area and applying a water-resistant primer. If your whole gutter system is rusted then it is time to replace it.

Protect Your Home with a Reliable Gutter System

Most gutter problems can be remedied with routine maintenance and repairs. However, bigger problems can only be solved by upgrading your roofing system.

At Elite Roofing and Restoration, we specialize in thorough inspections and cleaning to ensure the seamless functionality of your existing gutter system. For additional protection, we provide a range of gutter guards and screens. And when the time comes for a new gutter system, we're here to handle the installation, whether you opt for traditional sectional or seamless gutters. Reach out to us today, and explore our diverse color collection to elevate both the functionality and aesthetics of your home's drainage solution.

Elite Roofing and Restoration is your source for quality roof repair and replacement.

In addition to roof replacements and repairs, both commercial and residential, we offer a considerable list of additional home repair services to assist you with any general construction needs you may have.

Contact us today to schedule your no-hassle, complimentary roof inspection today.