Rain is going to happen, and it can cause damage. There are ways to control the runoff of rainwater. A gutter and downspout system are very important to have on structures. The gutter and downspout system’s job are to channel rainwater coming from the roof away from the structure and foundation. Too much water falling too close to the structure can erode the soil around it and compromise the foundation. The benefits of the gutters and downspouts can prevent erosion and preserve landscaping and turf. Foundation problems can be avoided and water damage to walls and siding can be prevented. Without fully functioning gutters and downspouts to control runoff in a safe manner, rainwater could cut pathways through the lawns around the structure, creating ditches, pooling in low-lying areas, and even killing lawns, flowers, and other vegetation.

There have been heavy rains recently and the result is many properties are having issues with raingutters. To determine what can contribute to the cause of the problems, the first step would be to look at the gutters for common issues. For gutter systems that are installed on multilevel structures, it is best to call a licensed gutter contractor to do an inspection. They will be able to properly and safely inspect the gutter and downspout system to determine what will be required to correct the problems.

Common Gutter Problems

Clogging: Debris, vegetation, leaves, or other foreign objects can be the source of clogging. When the gutter gets clogged, it can cause water to overflow over the edges and down alongside the walls. Additionally, a gutter full of water can flow under some types of roofing which can contribute to roof leaks. The amount of debris that can build up within the gutter can add up to a significant amount of weight that can cause the gutters to sag, get damaged at the joints, and even become disconnected and fall off. When a gutter gets clogged, it can stop or slow the drainage of water off your roof, causing more damage than you may know. Clogged gutters can rot fascia boards, therefore making it easier for water to enter the structure, causing wall and ceiling damage.

Poor Gutter Pitch: Gutters need to be pitched toward the downspouts for the water to flow. The standard is ¼” downward slope per 10’ of horizontal run. The pitch of gutter heading towards a downspout can also cause overflow if it is too steep. Inadequate pitch will cause the water to gather in one spot, rather than flowing toward an exit. A visual inspection inside your gutter will also let you know if you have a gutter pitch issue. Corroded gutters indicate water is not draining as quickly and efficiently as it should. The standing water could not only be corroding the gutter but allowing unwanted moisture into the underlying roof deck.

Gutter Joint Separation: If the gutters are pulling apart, this is a common problem that is typically caused by clogs and debris accumulation. The joint areas of the gutters are vulnerable to separation due to the weight of water and clogs in the system. A slow drip can quickly escalate, and the resulting water flow can damage the wall directly beneath the gutters and rot the fascia boards at the area of the joint.

Overflowing Gutters: If the gutter overflows, check the alignment of each gutter from ground level. If any appears to be sagging or uneven, this may be a sign that the gutter is not strong enough to handle the weight of the water draining off the roof. Gutters may begin to buckle or pull away from their original positions. Additionally, if the gutters have no clog, the pitch and tilt are correct, and everything looks well balanced, then the gutter is simply too small and can’t handle the amount of rainwater flowing down the roof.

How to Avoid Gutter Problems

The best way to keep the common gutter problems from happening and causing damage is to keep the gutters clean and maintained. The gutters should be cleaned out a couple of times a year, and more often if you have lots of trees or vegetation near your structure. Do visual inspections of the gutters and downspouts. Confirm that there are no loose fasteners, joint separation, sagging, tilting, or corrosion. Should there be questionable conditions, contact us to inspect and make the corrective measures required. Learn more about our Services.

Time for New Gutters

Whether it is time to replace faulty gutters or time to renovate, determine the size and type of gutters wanted. The size of the gutter is based upon the pitch of the roof. Additionally, in areas of more rainfall, larger gutters should be considered. Although there are several types of sectional gutters made of aluminum and vinyl, the best option is seamless gutters which are continuous. The coherence of seamless gutters from one end of the roof to the other minimizes the risk of water leaking throughout the eaves. they only have joints at the corners where the gutters meet downspouts. Seamless gutters are stronger and more reliable than sectional gutters. One of the features of seamless gutters is their uniform appearance. Another benefit of having seamless gutters on your structure is the many options in terms of color and material choice. Most often made from aluminum, however, they can also be made of copper painted steel. We will manufacture the seamless gutter on site, in the exact lengths required. Check out our rain gutter Products.