If you have a leaking downspout, or your gutters and downspouts are not aligned, or you think your gutters are leaking, you may need to have your gutters and downspouts repaired. You can also use a broom handle to clear clogs.
Clogged
Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause serious damage to a home’s foundation. Water leaking from a clogged gutter can also cause slippery walkways. To clear a clog, use a scoop and spray to remove the debris. If these methods don’t work, you can try using a drum auger to break up the clog. After clearing the clog, you can then clean your gutters to prevent future clogs.
Clogged gutters also contribute to the growth of mold and bacteria, which can lead to health problems. Another risk of a clogged gutter system is the potential for roof leaks. Similarly, clogged gutters prevent melting snow and ice from draining properly and may lead to ice dams.
Leaking
Clogged and leaky gutters can cause damage to your home’s foundation and eave boards. They can also sag and separate from the fascia board. If you suspect that your gutters are leaking, you should have them repaired. In addition, you should flush them with your garden hose every now and then.
One of the most common causes of leaking gutters is a loose downspout. You can easily repair a loose downspout by using a putty knife. However, if you are working on a second-story house, you should hire a professional.
Another cause of clogged gutters is debris. Fallen leaves and other debris from surrounding trees often accumulate in gutters. This can lead to overflowing gutters and downspouts that are unable to drain water away from the house.
Improperly Aligned
Incorrectly aligned gutters and downsprets can cause major structural damage to your home. The weight of the excess water can cause the gutters to sag, causing them to overflow and damage your foundation. The problem can also lead to leaks.
To determine whether your gutters and downspouts are properly aligned, climb a ladder and fill a one-gallon bucket with water. Pour the water down the gutter at a steady rate and watch to see if it’s running smoothly and evenly. The water should not slow down or stop halfway through the run. It may take several gallons of water to pinpoint the exact problem.
Next, check the length of your gutter. It should be a minimum of 1/2 inch longer or shorter than it is wide. If the gutter is too short, loosen the brackets and remove the gutter. You can then mark the lower end of the downspout with a chalk line. Then, line up the new gutter with the chalk line and tighten the brackets.
Sagging
Your home’s gutters and downspouts must function properly to keep your house free of water damage. However, over time, these structures can begin to sag and develop a gap. This causes water to accumulate and flow behind and over the gutter. Another common cause of sagging gutters is blockage, which can prevent water from flowing properly into your downspouts. This leads to erosion and possible flooding in your basement.
The most common cause of sagging gutters is clogs. Clogged gutters can lead to water flowing behind the gutter and over its edge, which may damage your home’s foundation. This damage can be costly and can require costly repairs. Another cause of sagging gutters is warping of the gutter material. Aluminum gutters are susceptible to warping, which means the metal will start changing shape over time.
Need To Be Replaced
If you’re having trouble keeping your gutters clean, you may want to consider getting them replaced. There are several signs that you need to replace them, including leaking water. In general, your downspouts should extend at least ten feet from your house’s foundation. Ideally, water should flow out smoothly and not pool or overflow. If the water is running directly from your roof to the ground, you may want to consider installing additional downspouts.
Another sign that you should replace your gutters is rust. Depending on how extensive the rust is, you can decide whether to replace them completely or repair them. A single spot of rust may indicate a minor problem, such as a scratch entry point or low spot, but several spots of rust may indicate a more extensive problem.
