5 Common Gutter Problems + How To Fix Them

Gutters are essential for preventing damage to your home, so it’s important your gutters are functioning properly. As a result, gutter installation and repair are common services in the roofing and construction industry.

Gutter damage such as cracks, tears, or wear out over time are typical, but there can be more pressing issues with your gutters. Read on to learn 5 common gutter problems and how to fix them:

Problem: Gutter Leaks

Even a small leak in your gutters or downspouts can spell disaster for your home. It can ruin your siding, foundation, soffit and fascia - or even cause a flood. This can be caused by structural issues such as loose fasteners or improperly sealed/separated joints.

Solution: How do I fix gutter leaks?

The most common cause of a leaky gutter is clogging. You can test if your gutters are leaking or clogged in three easy steps:

1. With a pair of work gloves and a trowel, clear away as much debris as possible and dispose of it in a bucket.

2. Use a power washer or hose to clear away any remaining debris, then fill with water.

3. Use the hose to fill your gutters up with water and watch for leaks. If water flows through to the downspout with no issues, you don’t have a leak! Your gutters were simply clogged.

Regarding fasteners, you can tighten the fasteners and apply caulking/sealant for extra tightness. Regarding joints, you can remove and replace the sealant. Although sometimes replacing fasteners or joints are the best or only solution.

Problem: Backflow

Gutter backflow happens when water seeps between your gutters and the walls of your house, which can lead to pooling and water damage. You may notice visible water stains on your walls.

How do I fix gutter backflow?

Fixing backflow requires remounting your gutters to better lie against your wall. As a result, water won’t escape over the side.

Problem: Improper Gutter Slopes

With proper installation, gutters should have a slight downward slope so the water easily flows towards the downspouts. Although gutters will sag over time due to the weight of the water or loosened infrastructure. Loose fasteners can also contribute to an improper gutter slope.

How do I fix improper gutter slopes?

This problem isn’t an easy fix, often needing the sagging sections or entire gutter re-hung. It’s best to get your gutter slope restructured and installed by a professional.

Problem: Organic Growth & Blockage

When leaves and twigs accumulate in your gutter, it can compost into moist soil. The wind can carry seeds into this soil and sprout into plants, which can block the flow of water, add weight, and cause your gutters to pull away from the fascia board.

If a gutter doesn’t drain properly, the water remains still, creating standing water. This can attract mosquitoes, plus birds and insects love dry gutters to create their nests. But these nests can cause blockage to your gutter.

How to fix organic growth and blockage?

As with leaks, any leaves, twigs, or foliage can be cleared using a trowel and hose. Yet with larger blockages, removal will be best handled by experts. Bird nests should be professionally removed, as federal laws are put in place to protect them. You also don’t want to get stung around a wasp’s nest!

Problem: Poor Gutters - or none!

A poor gutter system won’t be as effective as channeling water flow from your roof. But what if your home doesn’t have any gutters whatsoever? This can cause an onslaught of problems, as your home lacks a proper drainage system during rainstorms, which leaves your siding and foundation unprotected.

How do I get gutters installed?

If your gutters need an upgrade, or you need new gutters in general, get them professionally installed. In doing so, you can easily avoid the aforementioned problems.

Are you within a 50 mile radius of Akron, Ohio or surrounding areas? Get in touch with Tarheel Roofing and Construction for professional gutter inspection, repair, and maintenance, as well as roofing and siding services! Call 330-678-9000 or email tarheelinc.ford@gmail.com.