Gutters are a vital component of any home. If they aren’t operating correctly, they could cause catastrophic damage to both the inside and outside of the house. A damaged gutter can also cause issues with your roof, siding, and water damage in your home. Ensuring that the gutters are working properly will keep your home’s integrity intact.
Check the Fasteners
Sometimes, fixing the issue can be as simple as re-fastening existing gutters. Things such as house shifts, high winds, and heavy rain can pull the gutters away from the eaves of your roof. Reattaching the gutters can help significantly.
Assess the Slope and Capacity
Your gutters could be entirely clear of debris, but if it rains hard enough, they may still overflow. This could be because of two reasons: slope or lack of capacity. The water won’t move quick enough during a hard rain if the gutters aren’t appropriately sloped. Lack of capacity means your gutters are too small to handle the volume of rain they receive.
Slope
Most times, you can spot slope issues with the naked eye. If you’re not sure and can get to your gutters, spray water into the gutters using a hose and watch where the water flows. It should flow to the outlet point easily.
Capacity
If your gutters are clear and sloped properly but still overflow, your issue is most likely a capacity problem. If you’re having a capacity problem, it’s recommended that you call a professional. There are a few different ways they could fix this, and they will know which option is best for your situation.
Clean, Clean, Clean
The number one issue with gutters is clogging. As a homeowner, you must keep the gutters clear of debris. The gutters need to be cleaned out for them to function properly. Leaves from nearby trees usually get the bad rap for clogging up gutters, but “shingle sludge” from aging or cheap shingles also mounds up in gutters. Make sure to clean your gutters out regularly, no matter what type of debris has accumulated. Consider a gutter protection product if you would rather not have to deal with cleaning your gutters.
Knowing all the components of the gutter system will help you inspect and maintain your gutters adequately. Keep up with gutter maintenance to ensure they’re working properly and keep your home dry and foundationally sound for years to come.