Gutters are among the most ignored parts of the house. Unfortunately, this means most homeowners aren’t aware of a gutter problem until it gets worse. If you want to save on repair bills and avoid more serious issues in the future, here are the most common gutter problems that you should be aware of:
1. Clogged gutters
Clogged gutters are the most common problem that most homeowners face. If you don’t have a proper gutter protection system, all sorts of debris can accumulate in your gutters and block the water from passing through. When this happens, the excess weight of the debris can cause the metal to sag or break off entirely (if your gutters are old).
Avoid clogging your gutters by cleaning them at least once a year or more if you have a lot of trees on your property. Better yet, install a gutter protection system to ensure debris doesn’t accumulate while water passes through smoothly.
2. Sagging or pulling away
As mentioned before, gutters can sag or pull away from the fascia if there is excess weight on it. Alternatively, it can be caused by old or worn-out hangers. Fortunately, if the latter is the issue, new hangers are inexpensive. You can buy hangers and fasteners at only $10 and $1 per piece, respectively.
3. Wrong angle
Gutters need to be angled properly so that water can flow properly through the system. Otherwise, the water will accumulate in one place and cause moisture problems or structural damage.
You can fix an improperly pitched gutter by bending it at the right angle. However, if the problem is severe, you may need to reinstall your hangers with the help of a professional.
4. Leaks and holes
Holes in a gutter system are relatively easy to fix. For small holes, you can close them up with a gutter sealant. But for larger holes, you might need a patching kit to seal the hole.
5. Damage
Heavy rainstorms and wind are the primary causes of damaged gutters. If there is a storm coming in your area, it pays to make sure your gutters are not loose. Otherwise, heavy gusts of wind can easily tear them off the roof.
Unfortunately, even newly installed gutters can fall victim to harsh weather conditions. When this happens, you might need to replace some or all components in the system. But if the gutters aren’t severely damaged, you can simply reinstall them.
6. Downspouts are too close
If downspouts are draining too close to your home’s foundation, this can cause a lot of moisture problems, such as mold or rot. You can fix this problem by installing a gutter extension that will make water drain farther away from the foundation. Luckily, gutter extensions are inexpensive and can cost as little as $20.
Gutter problems could cause more problems if left ignored. As a homeowner, you can keep problems from getting worse by checking your gutter’s condition from time to time. If you find one or more or the problems mentioned above, it’s wise to fix them immediately or call a professional to do the job for you.