Gutters are a simple home technology. They simply collect the water from your roofline and usher that water to downspouts that deposit that water safely away from your home’s foundation. However, there are some problems that can inhibit the function of your gutter and endanger your home. This can cause rotting or mold on your roofline, destroying your landscaping, flood your basement and even erode your foundation. To keep your gutters working properly to protect your home from water, you should be on the lookout for some common gutter problems.
Clogged gutters
The most common gutter problem is also the most simple: Clogged gutters. Gutters have to be cleared from debris regularly. This should happen twice per year to keep water flowing and prevent blockages, wintertime ice dams, overflows, and damage. Have your gutters cleaned at least every spring and fall, or have your gutters fitted with gutter guards that keep debris out of your gutters?
Cracked or damaged gutters
Gutters can become damaged over time, whether from standing water, ice, wind, impact or age. Aging gutters can develop cracks or holes, especially at the seams, that can cause the gutters to leak. Your gutters should be checked several times a year for signs of damage.
Failing supports
Another very common gutter problem is failing supports. Your gutters attach to your home with metal fasteners that can break or warp. When that happens, gutters sag away from your roofline and no longer catch water or channel water safely around your roofline and away from your home. Again, check your gutters regularly to make sure they remain securely against your roofline.
Improper pitch
Often, gutters haven’t been installed properly, and improperly installed gutters won’t funnel water safely from your home. Gutters should have a pitch to keep water flowing. For every 10 feet, gutters should slope down a ¼ inch so that water flows through the gutters and toward downspouts.
Missing downspouts, splash blocks or drains
Whether from improper construction or wear, sometimes gutter components are just plain missing. This means that water flows uncontrolled off of your roof, which can cause major water damage in an around your home. Make sure your gutters all flow into a downspout. Also, make sure that all downspouts end in an extension, splash block or drain that safely deposits water away from the foundation of your home.
Are your gutters suffering from one or more of these common gutter problems? Don’t endanger your home’s roof, structure or foundation by ignoring these gutter problems! If you want clog-free gutters without having to clean gutters constantly, if you notice sagging or damaged gutters, or if your gutters aren’t channeling water because they’ve been improperly pitched or are missing components, call The Gutterman of TN! The Gutterman of TN can fix your gutter problems, install new gutters when needed or install gutter guards to keep your gutters clog free year after year.