Gutter systems on homes play an important role in stopping water from pooling around foundations or seeping into roofs. Your gutter system helps ensure that rainwater flows away from the exterior of your home through a series of gutters and downspouts. Water directed through your gutter system is absorbed into the ground instead of causing trouble for you as a homeowner.
Problems with your gutters can become a significant issue if not addressed. Although gutters can end up having several problems, some occur more often than others. The following are the most common gutter problems you might encounter at your Jacksonville home.
Overflowing Gutters
If your gutter is overflowing, you’ll see water pouring over the sides of it when it rains. You might also notice water pooling near or around your home. A gutter overflowing might seem more of a nuisance than a serious problem, especially if you haven’t seen any leaks or water getting into your home. However, overflowing gutters can lead to severe damage to your foundation, siding, and roof when they’re left alone.
When your gutters keep overflowing, you can end up with foundation erosion, wood rot, and other problems. Your gutters might overflow if they’re clogged with leaves and other debris since water can’t move through them. Overflowing gutters can also happen if the channels are too narrow or if they’re installed at the wrong pitch.
Gutters Pulling Away from House
If your gutter is pulling away from your house, you might notice gaps between the fascia board and the gutter. Keep in mind that even a tiny gap allows rainwater to collect around your home’s foundation. Larger gaps can result in pooling around the foundation or other issues, such as water leaks in your roof or ceiling.
Why do gutters pull away from your home? This can happen if the hangers securing them in place loosen over time, which is more common when gutters aren’t installed correctly. Gutters can also pull away from your home if they’re damaged and can’t support the amount of debris in them. Keep in mind that gaps between your gutters and fascia board can become worse when this problem isn’t fixed.
Sagging Gutters
If your gutter is sagging, you’ll notice it drooping down. Sagging or drooping gutters make it harder for rainwater to flow through them and away from your foundation. Over time, this can lead to water damage to your home, including structural problems in severe cases. Water building up around your home can crack your foundation, wash away landscaping, and result in other costly issues.
What causes gutters to sag? This can happen when a clog forms inside gutters. This blockage puts more strain on gutters, which gets worse when water enters them. The weight of rainwater and debris buildup can eventually cause sagging gutters to tear away from your home completely.
Sagging gutters are more commonly seen in sectional gutters rather than seamless gutters. Sectional gutters have multiple seams that can become weak points, especially under strain. Seamless gutter systems don’t have these seams or sections, making them less vulnerable to sagging.
Solutions for Gutter Trouble
The solution to your gutter problem depends on what is causing it. Overflowing gutters might need to be cleaned out if there’s a blockage. However, you might need to have wider gutters installed if they’re too narrow, or you might need your gutter pitch or tilt corrected.
Gutters that are pulling away from your home might need to have hangers tightened or replaced if they’re worn or damaged. If damage to the gutter is causing it to pull away, you’ll need to have expert roofers make repairs. Clearing debris out of your gutters can also help if they’re weighed down too much.
Sagging gutters might need to have the debris removed before being repaired. If a debris blockage is the cause of this problem, having gutters cleaned at least twice a year can prevent this from happening again. After the backup is removed, roofing professionals can perform repairs on your gutter system to get it level again.
Count on StormForce for Gutter Repairs
When you need a reliable roofing contractor to take a look at your gutters and make repairs, you can depend on StormForce. If the damage to your gutters is severe, we might recommend having new gutters installed. We can properly install a seamless gutter system that’s customized for your home. This helps protect your gutters from damage due to poor installation, high winds, heavy downpours, and wear and tear.
If you’re having a gutter problem at your Jacksonville home, please contact StormForce. Our roofing experts can find out what’s causing it and determine the best solution, whether it’s making repairs or replacing your gutters.