If your gutter system is working properly, it’s going to protect your home from costly water damage. However, if there are problems going on with your gutters, they’re not going to do their job. Gutters are meant to save you time, stress, and money in the long run, but you’ve got to maintain them and keep them free of any problems for them to work.
At Tacoma Gutter Service, we’ve seen the gamut of gutter problems. Some aren’t always so obvious, and some have solutions that you can easily take care of yourself—you just need to know how to identify them. Here are a few problems to keep an eye out for throughout the year.
Clogged Gutters
One of the most common gutter issues is also one of the easiest to remedy—clogged gutters. If you don’t make it a habit of regularly cleaning your gutters, they can become blocked with debris like leaves, dirt, twigs, and even bird nests. When gutters become clogged, they can cause a number of issues, including overflowing, which can lead to expensive foundation and roof damage.
Solution: The easiest solution for clogged gutters is actually prevention. It’s a good idea to check out and clean out your gutters seasonally, and especially after a big wind storm. If you’re not sure the best way to clean out your gutters (or even if you’re afraid of heights), don’t hesitate to call a professional to do the job for you.
Sagging Gutters
Over time, your gutters can begin to sag and even start pulling away from your home. This usually occurs if your gutters haven’t been cleaned or if water starts pooling within them; these add weight to the gutters, which weakens the fascia and causes the problem.
Solution: The only solution for sagging gutters is to have a team of professionals replace the hardware. Depending on how bad the damage is, you may need to hire contractors to fix your siding as well. Then, once this problem is fixed you’ll need to prevent the issue from happening again by ensuring you keep your gutters clean and clear of debris.
Leaks
One of the easiest ways to identify leaks is to check for dripping water while you clean out your gutters. If left in disrepair, leaks can cause damage to your roof, siding, and foundation.
Solution: Leaky gutters can be fixed by sealing holes with caulk, from the inside. If holes are too big, or the area around them has become rusted, the best solution is to replace that segment of gutter.
Incorrectly Positioned Downspouts
The point of gutters is to keep water from collecting at around your home’s foundation; for them to do that, the downspouts have got to be positioned far enough from your home. If they’re too close, water will still pool and can still potentially cause damage. Before the next big storm, make sure your downspouts extend at least two feet away from your exterior.
Solution: If your downspouts are too close to your home, you may want to ask a professional gutter team to add extensions. This will give them the extra length needed to keep runoff water far from your foundation.
Improper Pitch
Gutters need a slight pitch to for rainwater to reach the downspouts and drain properly. If your gutter system doesn’t have a decent pitch, you’ll end up dealing with standing water; this can cause your gutters to rust or begin to sag. It can also turn your gutters into an attractive home for pests—which comes with its own problems.
Solution: If you notice standing water in your gutters or the water coming out of your downspout seems to wane, you should call a professional to have them check your pitch. Our team will be able to assess the issue and fix the damage if necessary.
If you’ve noticed any of these problems with your gutter system, we can help. Tacoma Gutter Service has been helping home owners in the area fix their gutter issues and keep their homes safe for more than 30 years. We’ll inspect your gutters and check for any and all potential problems, so that they continue to work properly. To schedule a FREE estimate, call us at (253) 927-7111 or visit us online.
This post first appeared on https://tacomagutterservice.com