Gutters are a critically important part of a home and play a major role in protecting your home from water damage. Most gutters can last between 15 to 20 years with proper gutter maintenance. However, many people are unaware of some of the common maintenance tasks, issues, and repairs needed for proper maintenance.
Routine maintenance is crucial to ensuring your home or property is safe from water damage to your walls, roof, and foundation. Clogged or damaged rain gutters can lead to water going to where it shouldn’t go, leading to erosion and basement flooding.
There are several fixes and gutter maintenance tasks that can be handled on your own, and several to leave to a gutter repair contractor. Here are a few common rain gutter repairs to be aware of.
Common Problems & Fixes
Overflowing Gutters
Overflowing gutters is a common gutter maintenance issue. It is often caused by a simple clog in the downspout or in the middle of the gutter. If you’re still experiencing overflowing gutters after the clog is removed, it may be a sign that your gutters are too small or were improperly installed.
In these instances, you should determine where the water is coming from. Then decide whether a larger downspout, a gutter apron, or a diverter is necessary, depending on the source of the issue.
Straighten Sagging Gutters
Sagging gutters are another common issue. This is when gutters are unlevel from back to the front. Ideally, when placing a level on the gutter, it should remain centered, otherwise there is an issue. Sagging occurs due to large amounts of water standing in the gutters. If this occurs repeatedly over time, your gutter hangers will loosen causing the gutters to pull away from the structure. Another possibility is the wood fascia board has rotted causing the fasteners to not hold as securely.
To fix this, hammer the gutter spikes back into place.
Tighten the Downspouts
Another frequently seen issue is loose downspouts. Downspouts are the vertical segments of closed pipes running from the gutters to the ground. Loosened downspouts from gutters are often due to missing screws meant to attach the downspout to the gutters. This is often a result of contractors attaching the downspout to the gutter flaps rather than using outlets to attach. As the downspouts loosen from the gutters, stress causes the straps to loosen the straps that hold the downspouts to the structure.
This tends to be a more in-depth fix, as it can require applying sealant, reattaching the downspout, securing it with straps, and then testing for leaks. If this is too time consuming, hiring rain gutter contractors is always an option and guarantees a sound repair.
Seal Up Gutter Leaks
Gutter leaks are a common issue that occurs when water leaks over the side of the gutters, the downspouts, at the end caps, or any spot along the gutters. In the case of small leaks, sometimes sealant can be applied to the cracks or holes. However, larger holes or leaks will likely require the help of a rain gutter repair professional.
Clear Out Clogs
Clogged gutters can occur anywhere with your gutter system. The clog can be in the downspout or in the middle of the gutters, and anywhere in between. Clogs tend to be a bigger issue when there are turns in the gutters. Clogs also tend to form at the end of gutters too, and sometimes clog the hole leading to the downspout. When water fills up the gutters, it can over encumber your gutters leading to sagging. In this instance, remove the clog from the gutter or downspout.
Correct the Slope
When gutters are improperly installed, loosened, or the fascia is failing, the slope of the gutter is often impacted. This impacts your gutters and can cause the water to stand still. In some instances, this can even cause the water to flow backwards.
If there’s not a clog in your gutters and the water is at a standstill, it is likely due to an improper slope.
Gutter guards function like a strainer over top of your gutter, preventing the accumulation of debris that could block the water flow. This is a very effective way to prevent routine clogging and prevent water damage to your home. These guards block debris while still allowing water to flow through.
Repair Broken Sections
Some parts of gutter systems are simple to replace. Some of the common parts needing replacement include:
Downspout: Replace a worn downspout splash guard with a retractable splash guard that can be moved when mowing or doing yard work.
Rust Spots: To repair rusty spots, use roof and gutter repair tape. In some instances, additional adhesive is necessary to properly attach the tape, but your gutters will certainly benefit from this extra effort.
Spikes and Fascia Hanger Brackets: Old or warped fascia hanger brackets can easily be replaced. These brackets help hang the gutters on the house, so they are a crucial part of your gutter system and need to be maintained.
Damaged Gutter Sections: Dented or damaged sections of seamless gutters can be replaced using a slip joint to reattach the pieces.
When to Replace Gutters
Gutter replacements are often necessary when issues continue to persist despite repair efforts. Broken fasteners or screws, holes, large cracks, rust, and gutters pulling away from the fascia board can indicate a gutter replacement is needed. Damaged fasteners, basement flooding, stains and mildew, buckling, faded or chipping paint, and drooping or buckling are all indicators that a replacement is necessary.
Gutter material quality greatly impacts the longevity of gutters, as does the quality of the installation. Regardless, all gutters benefit from routine maintenance.
When dealing with gutter issues, it can be challenging to decide between repairing or replacing. While some small issues can be repaired, there are cases where a gutter repair contractor can help. Companies with specialized gutter services can assist and ensure your home avoids future damage.
Are you in need of gutter repairs or replacement? Capital Exteriors and Renovation offers fully-insured, experienced professionals ready to help with your gutter or other property management needs. Give us a call at 704.618.0526 or contact us today for a free quote.