4 Common Gutter Problems and Simple Solutions

Having properly working gutters can make a world of difference in protecting a home, and most people don’t appreciate this as much as they should. In fact, many people only think about their gutters when they aren’t working. Gutters are susceptible to a number of problems, and can be damaged if not maintained properly. The following is a list of some of the most common gutter problems, as well as some simple methods of fixing or preventing them.

• Clogged gutters. Because of their design, gutters often collect leaves, pine straw, twigs, and other debris falling from trees or sliding down roofs. If unaddressed, this can lead to water pooling in the gutters and becoming too heavy for the gutters to hold, causing structural damage. During the winter, clogged gutters can lead to icicles forming on the underside of gutters and in the joists of drainpipes, which causes further damage and can lead to the formation of ice dams. Fortunately, routine inspections of the gutters and occasional cleaning are all that is needed to fix this problem.
• Improperly sloped gutters. If the gutters aren’t sloped toward the drainpipes, the water will end up pooling in the gutter. As gutters are not made to hold that amount of weight for sustained periods of time, they may bend, pull away from the roofline, or even fall completely off the house. Make sure the gutters are installed properly, pitched toward the nearest drainpipes. If you have seamless gutters or need professional help fixing the problem, call a gutter manufacturer or installer near you.
• Sagging or loose gutters. If your gutters sag whenever there is a rainstorm, or if they are pulling away from the side of your house, there is likely a problem with the hangers. These fasteners can deteriorate over time, pull away from the wood of the home, or simply not be strong enough to support the weight of the gutters. New hangers are relatively inexpensive to purchase and not hard to install. If you have concerns, however, it is best to call a gutter professional to fix the problem for you.
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• Leaking gutters. Gutters may leak from holes or cracks, or from improperly tightened joints and connections with drainpipes and other gutters. If you have seamless gutters, you have a much lower chance of encountering this problem. Any holes or cracks can be sealed from the inside with a gutter sealant, but if the damage appears to be related to age, you can expect more holes to appear. In these cases, it is best to simply replace the gutter and install an entirely new system. If the leaks come from loose connections, tighten them or hire a professional to do the job for you.

If you are in the Denver or Boulder area and are experiencing any of the above problems, you might consider hiring a gutter professional to assist you. If you need to install a new gutter system, think about getting seamless gutters from Colorado Seamless Gutters, Inc. Feel free to contact us today for more information.