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Gutter Problems
Gutters are an understated element of the exterior. However, when this product malfunctions, it can cause a lot of headaches and hassle to homeowners. From pooling water on the ground to foundational damage, gutter troubles can lead you down an expensive and frustrating road.
The good news is that you can keep most gutter problems at bay by staying proactive. These are the most common problems that gutters cause and how they can be avoided:
Problem #1: Leaks
It can happen to anyone. When a gutter springs a leak, it can eventually turn into a major issue if the problem is ignored.
But what causes a leak in the gutter system, anyway?
There are several culprits.
Loose fasteners are one of the causes of leaky gutters. When a gutter is fastened to a roof with items such as hangers or screws, they can pop out of place over time. As water runs off the roof, it can flow over the rear edge of the gutter and the fascia boards.
Cracks and holes are two other common reasons behind gutter leaks. You’ll most commonly find both cracks and holes where fasteners pass through the metal.
Wondering how you can fix those leaky gutters before they cause extensive damage?
If the gutters are pulling apart from one another, 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.
Keep in mind that caulk or glue typically isn’t strong enough to join two gutter pieces back together. You’ll need to use rivets for separated gutter sections. This is accomplished by drilling holes in overlapping edges in the sections and inserting 1/8th-inch rivets. This will secure the joints together securely.
Problem #3: Improper Slope
Many homeowners don’t give a second thought about gutter slope. The gutter slope is essential to the overall functioning of the system—and an incorrect slope can cause a myriad of problems.
The gutter slope, otherwise known as the pitch, is the amount the gutters slant downward to direct the path of water flow. If the gutter slope isn’t properly positioned, it will pool in the system and spill over the sides.
If the slope is slanted too sharply, the gutters can’t function at full capacity.
The general rule is to slope the gutters at 1/4th-inch per 10 feet of gutters.
Problem #4: Bad Downspout Draining
Not only do your gutters need sloped at a precise angle, but the downspouts need specific direction as well. If downspouts drain too close to the home, this can also result in pooling water around the home.
If you’re installing downspouts on your gutter system, be sure that they extend several feet from your home. Otherwise, they’ll dump water right into your basement or pool on the ground beside the foundation.
If gutters are filled with debris, seeds, and bird droppings, this combination can turn into plants growing in the gutter system. If your home has access to sunlight with plenty of rain, you’ll have your very own gutter garden with zero effort on your part.
While this is a somewhat comical visual, the truth is that vegetation in the gutters is no laughing matter. It can weigh down the gutters, causing the joints to separate or even clog the entire system.
The solution to this is easy in theory but time-consuming: keep your gutters clean.
How to Avoid Gutter Troubles