Gutters do a lot of work, rerouting rainwater away from your roof and home. Yet, these unassuming channels along the roofline can develop problems that lead to leaks, foundation damage, rot, and more.
The good news is that many of these problems can be prevented by cleaning gutters regularly and ensuring proper slopes. Read on to learn five of the most common gutter problems and how to fix them.
Clogged Gutters
Gutters are designed to do one thing: channel water away from your house and foundation. The best way to do that is by keeping them clean and free of clogs, sagging, or leaks.
Whenever rain or snow falls on your roof, debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt is carried into the gutters and downspouts. Over time, this can lead to blockages.
Clogged gutters can cause many problems, including wet basements, mold and mildew growth, and pest infestations. Regular gutter cleaning and inspections can help prevent this. When tackling a clogged gutter, use a stable ladder and invest in a ladder stabilizer for extra safety. You can also use a plumbing snake to break up the clog and remove debris.
Sagging Gutters
A gutter aims to direct rainwater away from the home. However, a sagging gutter can block this flow and cause water to pool. This may damage your roof, attic, and home’s foundation.
Loose gutter hangers often cause sagging gutters. To fix this, remove the sagging section of the gutter from the gutter hangers and rehang it with new ones. This will also help ensure that the downspouts are properly connected to the gutters, not creating extra pressure on the gutter system.
Be sure to take safety precautions before attempting this job, such as having a helper on the ladder and using a stepladder instead of climbing one that is too high or unstable. Wear protective clothing and a mask to avoid inhaling any dust or debris.
Leaks
Gutters are the unsung heroes of your home, channeling rainwater away from your foundation and protecting your landscaping from water damage. But like any home hardware, gutters can experience problems due to extreme weather or normal wear and tear.
If your gutters leak, it could lead to water stains on your siding, pooling around the foundation, basement flooding, and wood rot. You can often repair a leaking gutter yourself, as long as you are willing to do the work.
Start by removing the leaking section of your gutter and cleaning it thoroughly with a wire brush and a garden hose to ensure no blockage. Then, apply a waterproof patch of caulk to the leaky area.
Ice Dams
Gutter ice dams are one of the most significant issues homeowners can face with their gutter system. These ice formations result in roof leaks, interior damage, and mold growth.
How do they form? Heat escapes from your home through the ceiling into the attic, warming a roof section. When snow melts over this warm section, it hits the cold edge of the roof, where it re-freezes, creating an ice dam.
When these ice dams build up, they can tear off gutters and damage the shingles on your roof. They are also very heavy and can cause injury to people walking near them. To prevent ice dams, you need to improve insulation and ventilation in your attic through gutter services.
Bird Nests
Gutters are the unsung heroes of your property, directing rainwater away from your home to prevent basement flooding and safeguard your landscaping. However, like any other part of your house, gutters are not immune to problems that can cause damage and inconvenience.
Bird nests are usually a nuisance and pose health risks for homeowners. They can be a haven for ticks, mites, fleas, chiggers, and other parasites that would love to make your home their own. They also can carry bacteria, including the incurable histoplasmosis resulting from inhaling spores from fungi growing on bird feces.
Birds can also completely clog gutters, preventing downspouts from draining properly. If this occurs, check the gutter for obstructions and use a ladder to remove any visible.
