Homeowners don’t usually pay attention to their gutters until something goes wrong. When they’re working correctly, gutters drain excess water off the roof and direct it to the ground. Gutter problems affect this drainage. In doing so, they prevent a variety of roofing problems including water damage and mold. However, when they’re not in good working order, they can cause significant damage that’s hard to miss. In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the most common gutter problems that homeowners have to deal with. Be sure to seek professional help from a roofer in Greenville, SC if your gutters are falling into disrepair or they’re missing in some areas.
No Gutters
Technically this isn’t one of the gutter problems but w decided to mention it here. You may have bought a home that doesn’t have any gutters. This can lead to several problems when the rain comes since your siding and foundation can suffer serious damage. If you have no gutters at all or they’re missing in some spots, it’s time to get a professional to inspect your home and give you a quotation. If you maintain your gutters properly, they can last for a very long time and you’ll be able to protect your home.
Clogged Gutters
Leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog gutters and make it difficult for them to their jobs. Water will overflow instead of going through the downspout and it will get into the foundation. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest gutters problems to fix. Simply keep an eye on your gutters and clean them before they get so cluttered that water can’t drain off the roof. Be sure to check for debris after storms. Clear out the twigs and leaves and then flush the gutters with a hose to ensure they’re clear. If your gutters get clogged frequently, you may want to ask a roofer about installing gutter covers.
Sagging Gutters
If your gutters are clogged and you don’t clean them, over time they can start to sag. If they get too heavy for the hangers that secure them to the fascia, they may even fall off the roof. Gutters can also sag if the fasteners are installed too far away from each other or they’ve come out of the wood over time. The simple solution is to keep your gutters clean and ensure that the hangers are providing adequate support.
Leaking Gutters
It’s also common for gutters to leak and it’s pretty easy to notice when this is happening. You’ll likely see water spouting from different areas of the gutters. Since water won’t be draining in the way it’s supposed to, you could suffer serious water damage. If the leaks are small, you can use a metal sealant made from the same material as the gutters. However, if you have multiple large holes, it’s time for gutter replacement and you need to contact a roofing contractor.
Incorrect Pitch
This is one of the most common gutter problems. If your gutters aren’t draining properly but they’re clean and not leaking, the pitch may be all wrong. Gutters must be pitched toward the downspout. If they aren’t hung at the correct angle, the water can’t flow down the roof adequately. A good way to tell if your gutters have been installed at the incorrect pitch is to check for standing water in them. If you see pools, the pitch is wrong. You can prevent this problem by ensuring that you hire an experienced roofer to install your gutters. Fortunately, the issue can often be easily corrected by bending the hangers to change the angle. However, sometimes a section of the guttering needs to be reinstalled by professionals.
Fallen Gutters
During storm season, it’s not uncommon for gutters to come undone. If you notice that your gutters are no longer attached after bad weather, see if you can rehang them. If the damage is significant, you’ll need to have a roofer come by.
Incorrectly Placed Downspouts
If your downspouts don’t extend several feet away from your house, the water will get into your foundation. If you notice that water is draining really close to your home, you may need to have gutter extensions installed to take the runoff further away. Be sure to talk to a roofing expert about your options.
Get Professional Help with Gutter Problems from Greenville Roofing
Your roof and your gutters go hand in hand. If you suspect your gutters aren’t functioning properly, you need to have them inspected by a roofing contractor in Greenville, SC. The sooner you address any problems, the better it will be for the structure of your home. At Greenville Roofing, we have several years of experience in handling roofing problems. Call us today to schedule an inspection and get a free quote.