Category: Gutter Repair and Installation Services

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.

Do not underestimate the importance of gutter maintenance year-round. Many assume fall and spring are the only times for gutter maintenance. However, each season brings new weather, each impacting your gutters in different ways. We compiled a list of tasks to keep your gutters in tiptop shape throughout the year.

Fall

While each season is important for gutter maintenance, fall is the most critical. Falling leaves and debris creates a greater need for more frequent gutter cleaning. Increased debris and rain can cause damage to your gutters in addition to creating an inviting space for pests to live. So, what gutter maintenance is needed in the fall?

• Routine Cleanings: Sticks, leaves, and other fallen debris tend to accumulate in the fall, increasing the odds of clogs and blockages within your gutters. Regular gutter cleaning can keep your gutters functional by removing all obstructions that could cause overflowers and water damage.
• Gutter Screens/Guards: Gutter guards are an excellent way to limit the debris entering your gutters. This is particularly helpful if you aren’t keen on cleaning your gutters frequently.
• Winter Preparations: Fall is the perfect time to handle any lingering concerns with your gutter system prior to winter’s arrival. Tackling any maintenance tasks ahead of time can help avoid damage to your gutters from freezing temperatures, ice, and snow.

Winter

Ice dams and snow are the main issues gutters face in the winter. While it may not be the most pleasant, consider these tasks for gutter maintenance in the winter months:

• Ice Dam Prevention:What are ice dams? These occur when snow melts on a warm roof and freezes in the gutters. These ice dams can cause substantial damage to both your roof and gutters. Appropriate attic insulation works to minimize ice dams, and gutter maintenance ensures removal of the ice and snow to further prevent these conditions.
• Downspout Maintenance:Downspouts should be free from any obstructions to ensure proper drainage of melting snow.
• Snow Load Removal:Why is lots of snow detrimental to your gutters? Snow weighs a lot, especially in mass quantities. This weighs down your gutters and contributes to sagging or collapsing in the worst instances. Removing heavy loads of snow from your gutters can protect them and ensure they can continue function in the coming seasons.

Spring

Spring is another crucial time for gutter maintenance. With flowering trees and accompanying debris, and increased rainfall, your gutters need maintenance to function properly. Here are the tasks to take on for springtime:

• Debris Removal:With the numerous flowering plants, new leaves, and other debris, you’ll be needing gutter maintenance services. This ensures all debris is removed, preventing clogs and ensuring proper drainage for all the rain to come.
• Downspout Maintenance: Spring is an excellent time to ensure your downspouts are connected properly and angled to direct water away from your home. When downspouts aren’t connected properly or angled correctly, those showers can cause water to pool around your home’s foundation and can cause substantial damage if left unmanaged.
• Gutter Inspection:Regardless of winter gutter maintenance, the freezing and thawing of gutters cause strain. Spring is a great time to check for cracks, damage, or loose connections, and make any essential repairs.

Summer

Summer brings lower volumes of debris, but still requires routine gutter maintenance to ensure your gutters are ready for challenges from higher temperatures and storms. Here are several maintenance tasks to address in the summer months:

• Storm Preparation:Hurricane season brings strong winds and heavy rain, both of which can overwhelm a gutter system. Conducting routine gutter maintenance can prepare your gutters for those stormy conditions with minimal damage.
• Heat Endurance:Summer gets toasty, and your gutters suffer from the heat too. Extreme heat causes your gutters to expand and contract, weaking system components. During your routine maintenance, check for areas in need of repair or additional reinforcement to endure the summer temperatures.
• Addressing Pests:Summer often brings an increase of pest activity such as insects, rodents, and birds taking shelter in your gutter system. Seeking out professional gutter maintenance services can ensure that these spots are quickly identified and that you don’t have to handle the unpleasant task of removing those pests.

Looking for a Gutter Maintenance Service?

Each season brings numerous maintenance tasks for gutters, creating a lot of work to stay on top of it all. Capital Exteriors and Renovations offers gutter maintenance services, including routine cleaning, inspection, and installation of gutters and gutter guards. Contact us today for your free quote and get your gutters in top shape for the upcoming seasons.

Fall is rapidly approaching and that means LOTS of leaves and rain. While changing leaves are lovely to see, they can be a pain for gutters and gutter maintenance. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a checklist of gutter maintenance tasks to help you get your gutters into shape for fall.

Clear Out Debris

Removing debris from your gutters is perhaps the most important maintenance task. By completing this step, you can help prolong both the lifespan and functionality of your gutters.

Using a secure ladder and gloves, remove any branches, sticks, and other debris found in your gutters. Continue this process until all the gutters are cleared of debris.

Check Gutters for Standing Water

Standing water is an indication that your gutters are not working properly, and can contribute to rust, mold and mildew – all of which can decrease the lifespan of your gutters.

To check, pour water into the gutter and ensure that it flows unobstructed through the gutters and downspouts. If water begins to accumulate, the angle of the gutter may need adjusted.

Make Sure There Are No Cracks, Holes or Leaks

If you notice any leaks, cracks, or holes in your gutters, seal them as soon as possible. However, if you notice extensive damage, you’ll need to contact a gutter maintenance service to ensure the damage doesn’t spread. Otherwise, water can seep into your home or damage the fascia board.

Check for Mold and Mildew

No one wants mold or mildew, and routine gutter maintenance helps prevent those issues. When conducting gutter maintenance, inspect your gutters for any signs of mold or mildew.

If you do happen to spot mildew, it can be removed by using a power washer and a bleach water solution. However, if mold is found, you’ll need to contact a maintenance and repair service to advise on how to remove it.

Look for Rust and Stains

Rust and stains are an indicator of improper drainage. This can cause major damage to other parts of your home if left unaddressed.

Thoroughly inspect your gutters for any signs of rust or stains, and if you notice any, contact a gutter repair service.

Inspect for Gutter Sagging

If you see your gutters sagging, it’s a sign that water and/or debris are accumulating. Take care to remove these obstructions quickly to ensure your gutters work properly, preventing water damage to your home.

Check Downspouts

Downspouts are another critical part of gutter maintenance. With heavy rain and other weather events, you’ll want your downspouts to be in excellent working condition to avoid damage to your gutters and home. Do not forego this step!

Inspect your downspouts to see if there are any blockages or damage. Use a garden hose to flush out debris residing within the downspouts. If the water is slow to drain out, this is likely a sign that there’s a blockage. In this case, you’ll need to hire gutter maintenance services to address the blockage. However, in some cases, a pressure washer or plumbers snake may be able to assist in dislodging the clog.

When the downspouts are clear, confirm that water flows away from the house’s foundation to limit the risk of water damage and foundation complications.

Check That All Parts of the Gutters Are Secure

As part of your gutter maintenance process, be sure to include a check to ensure that your gutters are securely fastened to your house.

Check for Erosion and Flooding Near the Structure

Don’t forget to check for erosion near your home’s foundation near the downspouts. Splash blocks should be underneath the downspout to redirect the water away from the foundation.

Looking for a Rain Gutter Maintenance Professional?

Gutter maintenance is never fun, but a worthwhile chore to handle seasonally to ensure your home is free of water damage. If you’re looking for gutter maintenance and repair services, look no further. Capital Exteriors and Renovations is just a call or email away. We offer customized gutter solutions, expert repair and installation, and low-maintenance solutions fit for anyone. Contact us today for your free quote.