4 Home Gutter Problems to Watch Out For

Rain gutters come with numerous issues that might affect their ability to work and care for your home. Some of these include blockages, leaks, holes, and more. That said, make sure to watch out for these common home gutter problems:

Problem #1: The Gutter Is Coming Off

Through the usual wear and tear, gutters can, later on, lose components. Other times, homeowners discover that their gutters were not correctly installed. When it comes to gutters, installing them correctly is critical to guarantee securely attached and measured appropriately.

Problem #2: The Gutters Are Blocked

Rain gutters are more likely to get blocked due to stuck debris in the drainage system. Since leaves and other debris fall onto the roof during storms, various elements wash into the drains. Additionally, seeds that fly in or are dropped by birds will cause seedling roots to appear in your rain gutters. Along with migratory birds are other unwanted pests settling in.

Such buildup might lead to the accumulation of debris in the gutters, which could eventually lead to blocked gutters and damage to your roof and foundation. Once you discover this, have it cleaned and schedule future inspections and maintenance. You can also unclog your rain gutters yourself, if not with the help of a professional. At best, examine rain gutters twice each year, once in the spring and fall.

Problem #3: The Gutters Have Leaks 

While leaks in the joints and cracks are something of a regular occurrence, they're more prevalent in older homes that lack seamless gutters. This makes rain gutters more vulnerable to dislodging at their joints. Holes and leaks can deteriorate or rust your gutter systems, but they can be repaired using rivets that provide sealing and fastening.

Problem #4: The Gutters Are Damaged

The seals in your rain gutters lose their hold over time and may cause clogging and excessive water loss. You must not disregard these types of damages and act on them quickly before worse repercussions affect your home. Before the problem worsens, look into reliable repair work or replace damaged parts of the gutter altogether.

Things to Note 

Besides the problems you may face with your rain gutters, you must take note of the following:

• Pitch the rain gutter appropriately to drain rainwater correctly. It should slope approximately ¼ of an inch for every 10 feet.
• Gutters should be installed and leveled correctly to ensure that they work correctly.
• Gutter downpipes need to be cared for in the same manner as your rain gutter system to avoid basement flooding and structural damage. Have a professional clean it out once you suspect that it may be obstructed.

While routine gutter maintenance, inspection, and repairs are generally safe, you should never perform any of these processes unless you're confident that you’re equipped with the proper skills and tools. 

Maintaining the gutters may also be challenging and time-consuming, but it’s important not to put off gutter problems. Remember, the gutter serves to preserve your property, so invest time and money on inspections and maintenance. With proper care, you will find that you save more costs in the long run.

ROOF PROS installs 5" seamless gutters by Englert ™ throughout Western Massachusetts. As with all our work, all installation is backed by our 10 year labor warranty. We recognize that quality gutters play an essential role in protecting your home, which is why we’re committed to delivering the best quality gutters and superior installation.  If you are searching for a gutter installation contractor near me, contact us today to schedule a free estimate.