As part of your home’s exterior, gutters are subject to wear and tear and therefore needs some looking after. Knowing common gutter defects helps with its upkeep. In this blog, gutter and roofing installation contractor Advanced Roofing takes a look at common gutter problems that may cause damage to your home.
- Back-Flows — This happens when rainwater falling from the roof edge runs under the roof or behind the gutters, instead of into the gutter troughs. The most common cause is improperly installed drip edge (a type of flashing), or the lack of it altogether, but improperly-installed gutter troughs may also have the same effect.
- Clogged Gutters — Clogged gutters defeat the purpose of having gutters in the first place, by causing rainwater to overflow. Gutter clogging is preventable with regular gutter cleaning and maintenance. A good gutter protection system can also help reduce the amount of dirt and debris that gets into the gutters.
- Gutter Leaks — Another benefit of having a gutter and roof maintenance company performing regular inspections is that your gutters are less likely to form leaks. Seams and joints are vulnerable to leaks if the sealant has been worn off. Damaged or peeled-off paint may expose the metal substrate that would later corrode, increasing the chances of leaks. Both causes are preventable with regular gutter inspections. Also, consider investing in seamless aluminum gutters.
- Improperly Built Downspouts — Downspouts tend to get neglected, yet they are essential parts of the gutter system. Improper builds can lead to leaks along its length. The runoff end of the downspout should be four to six feet away from the exterior wall, enough so that the rainwater does not run back up the house. Otherwise, the rainwater would get absorbed by the foundations and/or the basement wall.
- Incorrect Gutter Slopes — Properly installed gutter troughs are slightly angled down towards the downspouts, even though they look perfectly level. This prevents standing water that could lead to premature damage to the joints and seams.
Advanced Roofing is your leading provider of roofing and gutter repair, installation and maintenance services. Give us a call at (630) 473-3008 or fill out our contact form to obtain a quote on emergency roof repair cost. We serve customers in Plainfield, IL, and surrounding areas in Illinois.
