Rain gutters have one thing to do: channel rain water to the downspouts and thus away from the house. And although this is a simple function, it is often obstructed by some problems – some predictable, some not. In either case, the effects of residential gutter problems are terrible. One single problem may lead to significant home structural damage and high expenses. Wouldn’t it be nice if you knew the common problems with rain gutters and their solutions? Buckle up.
Clogged gutters
Gutters can easily get clogged. Just think of how many things fly in the air in a windy day and then imagine all these items landing on your gutters. It can easily be a disaster. The common enemies? Leaves, airborne trash, dirt, tree branches, pine needles, insects – you name it. Gutters are cluttered in no time. The result? Waterflow is obstructed. The amount of water drained is limited, since the elements get in the way. And here we have three problems.
a. The gutters overflow when it rains.
b. The rain gutter system is burdened with extra weight that might cause damage.
c. Stagnate water can cause erosion.
What’s the solution?
This is one of the situations you can prevent the problem from happening. How? With regular gutter cleaning. It’s vital that the gutters are checked regularly and cleaned. If you want to avoid easy clogging, you can also invest in rain gutter guards. Although checking and cleaning gutters will nearly eliminate the possibility of clogging, do take a look at them after a heavy storm.
Gutter damage
Gutters may be damaged due to clogging, normal wear, or the weather. During a heavy storm, gutters can be damaged by flying debris and falling items. They may also be knocked around by the fierce wind and become damaged or their joints disconnected.
What’s the solution?
If your gutters are old, worn, or corroded, it’s best to have them replaced. When you choose gutters for your home, make sure they are correct in terms of the roof and of the best possible material. The way the rain gutter installation is done is also important. If the gutters are not set right or are loose, they will easily be knocked around by the wind and get damaged.
Leaking joints
Most gutters consist of several sections, which are joined together. These joints can become loose or damaged over the years, leading to leakage. Since home water leaks are extremely serious problems, it’s best to prevent such issues – or hurry to solve them.
What’s the solution?
One solution is to invest in seamless gutters (with no joints). You can also have them checked regularly, in case there’s a need for gutter caulking or repair.
Improper gutter installation
Gutters differ to meet all roof needs. If you choose the wrong rain gutters and/or their installation is not done correctly, you will have a problem with the water flow and/or the stability of the gutters.
What’s the solution?
Don’t choose gutters at random. Hire a professional gutter service contractor to be sure you select the right product and is installed properly.
Gutters may become damaged due to ice dams as well. Problems may happen if the downspout is clogged, too small, or inappropriately installed, too. Simply put, you have two battles to fight:
a. You need to be sure the gutters and downspouts are exactly what you need for your home and location. And you also need to entrust the downspout and gutter installation to a pro contractor.
b. You also need to keep the rain gutters free of damage & debris. Any problem (elements, debris, extra weight) that will take a toll on the gutters will create new problems for you (leaks, foundation damage, fascia damage, etc.).
