Watch Out For These Signs That Your
Gutters May Not Be Up To Par
A high-quality, well-maintained gutter system can go a long way toward protecting your Ellicott City, MD home against the costly devastation of water damage, so we’re here to offer you all our best gutter maintenance tips.
After all, gutter problems can cause all kinds of damage to your home, including roof leaks, wet basements, insect infestations, and even damage to your foundation.
Here are the nine most common gutter problems Ellicott City homeowners should watch for:
1) Holes & Cracks In Your Gutter System
Over time, holes and cracks can develop, resulting in leaky gutters. In many cases, small leaks can be repaired using gutter sealant. On the other hand, if you have multiple holes or severely leaking gutters, it may be time to invest in new gutter installation, rather than repairs.
2) Your Gutters Do Not Have Enough Slope, Or Pitch
If a section of gutter is not draining properly, you may want to check the angle, also known as pitch. In general, your gutters should drop about 1/2-inch for every 10 feet of run. This creates a gentle slope that allows water to drain toward the downspouts in a steady stream.
3) Your Gutter System Has Blocked Downspouts
One of the most common causes of clogged rain gutters is partially or fully blocked downspouts. Debris from the gutters can become lodged in them, causing water to back up into the gutters during heavy downpours. The flow of water can also be limited if the downspout is crushed or bent.
4) You Have Rotting Or Damaged Fascia
Fascia is the straight, long board material that runs along the seam between your roof and exterior walls. They’re often made of wood, which makes them particularly susceptible to water damage and rot. Because your gutter brackets are attached to the fascia, this can pose a big problem.
5) Your Gutter Spikes Have Started Falling Out
A major reason a gutter can come loose is a problem with the spikes that attach it to the fascia. Over time, temperature changes and other wear and tear can cause the small holes the spikes slot into to expand and contract. Gutters can be weighty, and they bear a heavy load. This risky combination can cause your gutters to become loose or even fall off your home.
6) Vegetation & Debris Is Clogging Your Gutters
Organic materials like leaves and twigs can accumulate and can block the flow of water. This is especially true if you don’t have gutter guards. If the clogs get bad enough, they can even cause sagging gutters and your gutter hangers to be ripped away from the fascia board.
7) Your Gutter Joints Are Starting To Separate
In areas where a long stretch of gutter is needed, it’s common to find multiple joints connecting shorter sections together. Over time, these joints can separate due to debris in the gutter, heavy water flow, and general deterioration. This can result in the gutters not working properly because most of the water will simply drop downward at the joints.
8) Insect & Bird Nests In Your Gutters
Bird and insect nests are other common causes of gutter problems. When a gutter is not draining properly, the standing water can quickly become a haven for mosquitoes. On the other hand, birds, bees, and wasps often find that dry gutters make the ideal environment for their nests. Due to the risk of injury and federal laws that protect the native birds, nest removal is best left to the experts.
9) Backflow From Your Gutters
Backflow occurs when rain travels down the roof and behind the gutters, rather than falling into the gutter troughs. This can occur when the drip edge is damaged, missing, or improperly installed, leaving a gap between the gutter and the fascia board. Backflow can also be a problem if the gutter shifts out of position due to missing or damaged fasteners.
Eliminate Your Gutter Problems
While some common gutter problems such as clogs can usually be prevented with regular gutter cleaning services, other problems can only be eliminated by upgrading with a home improvement project. But you’ll be thrilled with your new, high-quality gutter system.
Here at Thompson Creek, our innovative seamless, clog-free gutter system is designed to eliminate all gutter problems. Contact us today to learn more about our maintenance-free gutter systems built in America.