Not all homeowners and business owners are aware of these problems with gutters. Check out some of the culprits that can cause a lot of more expensive problems later on.
Normally, you don’t think about the health of your gutters. You only realize the different factors when you see them affecting your home or business space already. Moreover, not only does it cause a culprit to the roof, but the whole structure instead.
Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, it is important to be aware of the most common problems with gutters that can happen to your home or building. An unhealthy gutter is a dreading problem that can cause you much stress. Be aware of these factors that can endanger the healthy lifespan of your gutters.
The Purpose of Gutters
The sole purpose of having gutters is to veer away excessive water that hits the roof of your home. A good foundation can prevent problems from excessive water, but you need to ensure that your gutter is in tip-top shape as well. It diverts the water from getting into the foundation of your home.
Common Problems with Gutters
There are different factors that every homeowner and business owner must look out for on their gutters. They are all pretty common but often neglected just before it wrecks more havoc to the foundation. Check out some of these common problems with gutters we often encounter:
Holes and Leaks
Ever notice if your gutter pours downstream of water without your knowledge? Then there is probably a leak somewhere. It happens when a gutter has been through different seasons without proper maintenance.
These holes and leaks can be a quick fix by applying a gutter sealant to fill the gutter’s leaking seams. However, if you see large holes, then it might need some patching to repair. You can easily find them at hardware stores and relatively easy to use. Use it with the same material used in patching. Otherwise, it may cause erosion if you use a different material.
Gutters with Improper Pitch
If you have an improperly pitched gutter, chances are, water will not flow correctly. The slope’s proper angle must be at least a quarter-inch for every 10 feet of gutter. Therefore, you can easily tell if a gutter is not angled properly.
Check it by taking a ladder and see your roof. If you see standing water, then it obviously needs an adjustment. In some cases, it looks like an easy job since you can bend it to the right angle. But it may need to reinstall hangers when it is totally dangled.
Clogged Gutters
Gutters that are not draining is the most common problem we can find in our roofing system. As soon as it becomes clogged, the drain can no longer handle the water that flows after a rainstorm. Water that cannot flow properly can cause a culprit to the foundation, making it a critical issue for the gutter.
Do a twice a year maintenance to free your gutter from debris. Though, it may vary from climate to climate. It is best to clear it out every after fall where leaves have fallen and even in the spring season.
Gutters with Damage
Many ways can damage gutters. And the main reason is usually the weather. A heavy rainstorm can knock down a perfectly angled gutter. Because of this, you have to work on realigning it. It is possible with a simple fix or rehanging them.
You can also consider replacing some sections to avoid more damage. However, there is not much you can do to prevent damaged gutters anymore. You only have to make sure that it is properly installed and not loose enough to move at a different angle.
Loose-fitting Gutters
This type of gutter problem is less likely to happen if owners are responsible enough to clean them. Clogged up debris like twigs, leaves, snow, or standing water can make those gutters sag unexpectedly. It is often caused by loose hangers (hardware that secures the gutters to the house), which pulls out much extra weight.
Tightening the screws can be a quick fix for sagging gutters, but it will only be temporary. It would be best to install new gutters, and proper maintenance will also help avoid loose-fitting gutters.
Insufficient Gutter System
Not all buildings and homes have gutters installed, which makes it more problematic. To avoid problems to protect your siding and foundation, it is vital to have a proper gutter system. You will never know what kind of weather will come that can cause the culprit. Having a professional siding contractor installed gutter can save you more time and money than getting repairs now and then.
Get Help from Experts
If you feel like doing things yourself is not enough, you can always opt for professional help. Are you around Northeast Florida? We have good news for you! We know a roofing repair company that can install gutters for you.
Quality Discount Roofing & Construction, one of the leading roofer repairs in the industry, is here to help you with your problems with gutters. Call them now and get a FREE ESTIMATE on your gutters projects. For more details, visit www.qdrusa.com.