Preventing Damage from Overflowing Gutters

Overflowing gutters are a serious problem. Head off damaged home siding, rotten fascia, and basement water damage with these four gutter maintenance tips.

Install the Right Size Gutter System

The larger the roof and the steeper the slope, the bigger the gutter that’s required to handle the runoff. This leads to overflowing in heavy rain situations, and presents a serious problem. In fact, the overflow can kill plants underneath and lead to water seeping in to your basement. Make sure your gutter is up to snuff, and upgrade if needed.

You may also be able to address the problem with splash guards, which are cut to size before being professionally or DIY installed to help prevent the overflow and move water away properly.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts Twice Per Year

Depending on where you live your gutters will attract pine needles, sticks, leaves, pollen, and litter, which all mix together and block the flow of water. Instead of running down the downspout and away from the home, rainwater will build up and overflow nearer the house. This is problematic.

Depending on how much is collecting, you may need to clean your gutters more or less often, but twice is a good guideline. Spring and fall are the most important times to clean, emptying the gutters by hand or with a tool and snaking or blasting the downspouts clear of clogs. Professional gutter cleaning services are available for those who aren’t comfortable getting up on the roof.

Install Gutter Guards

If you’re having trouble with blockages and debris, you may want to invest in guards. Gutter guards can help keep leaves and branches out of your gutters, but small debris like leaves and pine needles pass through, so they’re no replacement for a regular cleaning.

Check Gutters for Tilt and Slope

Using a level you or a professional should check the mouth of the gutter for any tilt. Noticeable tilt leads to gutter overflow even if the gutters are correctly sized and clear of debris.

In the same way, if the gutters sag from weight or are damaged by wind their slope may be disrupted, which causes water to run backwards or pool. In either case, the slope and tilt should be repaired and corrected to keep water moving through the gutter and down the downspout–away from the home.

Do you need gutter repair or installation service? Give our expert team of home contractors a call today! We handle all home repair tasks, and would be happy to put our expertise to work for you.