What Is the Most Common Problem with Gutters?

June 23, 2022

More often than not, a rain gutter makes things much easier for homeowners. When they're installed by a professional, seamless rain gutters even simplify maintenance while lasting much longer than traditional guttering systems. Still, even the most durable gutter can suffer major damage, leading to costly repairs when homeowners fail to spot the problem on time.

Today we'll go over all the issues that regularly affect seamless and sectioned guttering systems, starting with what's probably the most common problem with gutters. Keep in mind that most of these issues can be fully avoided when you have your gutter cleaned twice a year. Close-up inspections also help catch signs of corrosion, cracks, bends, loose screws/hangers, roof damage, etc. long before they start affecting your gutter's structural capacities.

The Risks of Having a Clogged Gutter

Some problems may be more common than others in certain parts of the country, but clogged gutters are always the first thing homeowners look for while inspecting their gutters.

Clogs result from the accumulation of external elements stuck inside the gutter. Shingle particles are the main cause of clogs after they detach from the roof and end up inside the gutter. When the debris gets stuck, there's less space for the water to keep its regular flow. Eventually, there's no room for the water to pass, and this is what causes spills on the sides of the gutter. Another outcome is the extra weight from the water that remains inside the gutter, especially if it freezes during the coldest months of the year.

Many things can cause a clog, from a rundown roof to the greenery around the house. This is one of the reasons why clogged gutters are so common in residential settings. Still, the joints are the most likely area where external elements can get stuck, so clogs happen much more regularly on sectioned gutters.

Clogs are easy to prevent when homeowners remain diligent in their cleaning routine. They can spot the dirt long before it starts causing problems and eliminate potential clogs with a hose or a blower.

Other Rain Gutter Problems

As we explained above, gutter maintenance means that you must check that your gutters are working properly every once in a while. Rain gutters are exposed to the elements 24/7, and they are not impervious to damage. Of course, a professional installation service will enhance the durability of your rain gutters, but even then, contractors agree that regular inspections are always necessary to prevent problems down the line.

Here's a list of common problems that may affect your rain gutters:

• Leaks or holes: While they're less likely on sturdy metal gutters, leaks are still a huge problem. The most obvious sign of a leak is water pouring down from any part of your gutter, so you should also keep an eye out for wet/rotten walls or pools of water on the floor. Leaks are usually caused by a fixture problem on your gutter seams, including the outlet connected to the downspout. They are also common on the downspout elbow.
  
  Sometimes, a new soldering job is all it takes to fix a leak, but in other cases, leaks can result from cracks on the material. These holes can be filled easily enough with roofing cement and a metal flashing, but too many cracks may show that the whole gutter is succumbing to corrosion and/or deterioration.


• Warped gutters: This is a common problem when the gutter gets closer to the end of its lifespan. At that point, the materials have gone through years of exposure, standing in all kinds of weather. Constant temperature changes will gradually cause the materials to expand and contract, deforming the gutter in the process. This is why choosing high-quality materials is so important to secure a functional gutter for longer than a few years.


• Sagged gutters: If your gutter stops redirecting the water to the downspouts and there are no clogs blocking the way, something may have affected the gutter's placement, especially if said gutter has worked well in the past. Too much weight can sometimes cause the gutter to sag until it loses stability, so maybe it's been forced to hold more water than planned. On top of disrupting the passage of water toward the downspout, this can also put your home at risk since the gutter is already loose, and a strong wind could bring it down.
  
  If the problem affects one portion/section of the gutter, so you need to tighten the hangers to fix the gutter slope. Adding more pressure will take things to a point where replacing the gutter is the only choice.


• Improper installation: Sometimes, a gutter may suffer from many of the problems we described above, and this usually stems from a poor installation job. A large gutter doesn't guarantee the best performance if it's built without considering your roof's size and pitch. Even if you don't see a problem right away, chances are that the gutter can't drain much water at a time, to the point that it overflows during heavy storms. When you have a professional customizing your gutters according to your home's measurements, the risk of getting a faulty gutter is very low.

No one wants a weak gutter during a storm. You deserve the most durable rain guttering system to protect your property every day of the year, and the specialists at Rain Gutters Solution are ready to deliver. We build and install the best seamless gutters in South Florida so your home can go through the rainy season without showing a hint of damage. If you're interested in what we have to offer, call (305) 270-7779 or fill out the contact form, and we will be happy to assist you with the best installation and maintenance services.

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