6 Common Gutter Problems & How to Avoid Them

Gutters play a vital role in keeping your home’s exterior in tip-top shape. Gutters' main task is to direct water flow from your roof and direct it away from your foundation. This role helps keep moisture out of your foundation and basement, which will cause significant water damage over time.

Additionally, gutters directing moisture away from your property help keep your roofing and siding from water damage. However, gutters are susceptible to damage and a litany of other problems. Let’s cover six common gutter issues and provide their solutions!

1. Sagging Gutters

Over time, gutters may begin to sag in some areas. Sagging gutters hold water at their lowest point. With moisture stuck in a proverbial traffic jam, it will not drain away from your property correctly.

Stagnant water hanging out in your gutters will promote erosion and wood rot, not to mention water damage to your siding and roofing.

Solution

The best way to fix sagging gutters is to rehang those areas. To prevent future sagging, you may want to rehang these gutters with stronger hardware.

2. Improper Gutter Grade

The slope of gutters is responsible for the direction of water through the system. Improperly sloped gutters are an issue as water will not drain correctly, causing the damage mentioned above.

Solution

The simple solution to fixing this issue is to rehang your gutters will the proper slope in mind. However, achieving a suitable pitch is not that simple. We recommend contacting a trusted and reputable exterior contractor to rehang your gutters properly.

3. Leaking Gutters

Severe weather will cause damage to your home’s exterior. One common issue after a storm is leaking gutters. Bits of debris can puncture holes, causing water to seep out after a storm. Leaking gutters will allow water to hang around your home’s foundation, potentially causing water damage.

Solution

Patching up holes in your gutters is a reasonably simple solution. With plastic roofing cement and a putty knife, you will be able to patch small holes within the system. This will allow water to flow through your gutter systems correctly.

4. Clogged Gutters

Over time, debris such as leaves, twigs, branches, and dirt will find its way into your gutters. Clogged gutters will negate the proper water flow after a storm, holding it in all of the wrong places. Clogged gutters can also lead to ice dams in the winter, which can cause other kinds of damage.

Solution

Clogged gutters are an easy fix. Getting on your roof and cleaning out your gutters once or twice a year (preferably in spring and fall) will keep your gutters clean and working for years to come.

5. Larger Gutter Holes

Sometimes, rust or other objects can penetrate your gutters, causing a hole. Holes in your gutters can cause water to leak out during rainstorms and fall along the side of your house, instead of away from the house as intended.

Solution

For a small hole, you can use a bit of plastic roofing cement and a putty knife to fill the hole. If the hole is larger, you can cut a strip of flashing to cover the hole and secure it with cement to hold it in place.

6. Loose or Hanging Gutters

If your gutters have come loose or pulled away from your house, you may need to rehang them. You’ll want to make sure you measure the pitch of the gutter before securing it to the house. The proper slope is ½ inch over 10 feet.

Solution

Rehang the gutter by taking out the hardware and remeasuring the pitch. Using your tools, rehang it carefully on the house, keeping that ½ inch pitch in mind as you do so.

How to Prevent Future Gutter Problems

The best way to keep your gutters from having damage or other problems is prevention. There are a few ways you can do this, including:

Cleaning Your Gutters

Regularly clean your gutters out to ensure proper drainage and keep critters from making their homes in your gutters.

Checking for Leaks

After a storm or other weather problem, check for improper drainage in your entire gutter system.

Looking for Sags

Check for sags on a regular basis. It’s much easier to fix a slight sag than having to rehang the entire piece of gutter.

Inspecting for Damage

It’s a good idea to check for damage after every storm so you can stay on top of your gutter maintenance.

Contact Trinity Exteriors for Gutter Work

When you need gutter solutions or exterior solutions in general, contact Trinity Exteriors for all your gutter repair needs. Receive a free estimate online or give us a call at 952-920-9520 today!