7 Signs that Your Gutter Needs Repair
May 27, 2022
Rain gutters save homeowners from many headaches, avoiding major damage to a home's foundations, preserving the façade's paint, and preventing mold and mildew. However, this doesn't mean that a rain gutter is impervious to damage. Sometimes a gutter can't keep up with a major climatic change, and other times there are structural problems that don't become evident until the gutter suffers a rainstorm for the first time.
It's also possible that a gutter starts losing durability as the years go by, especially considering that some gutters last more than others depending on their design and the materials they're made of.
No matter the case, it's important to recognize the early signs on time so you can avoid spending more money on
gutter repairs later on. After all, a damaged gutter affects many parts of your home, like the roof, the sidings, and of course, your home's foundations. Here are 7 common problems that might require repairs on your gutter:
- Leaks on your gutters: This is one of the most noticeable signs of trouble and it can result from a number of problems. By identifying the part of the gutter that's leaking, you can single out whether there's a clog, an issue with the soldering in the seams, or some other problem that might need a professional repair service.
- Loose seams: We already mentioned that leaks are a clear giveaway if they happen on the seams. It's fairly common for gutters to lack resistance on the joints that keep them together; they could have a subpar sealing job or one of the screws could be loose. You may find the same issue on the gutter's fasteners.
In many cases, a loose seam can be easily fixed without having to replace any part of the gutter, only by reinforcing the soldering job around it with a sturdier alternative. Still, you may want to invest in a gutter replacement service if the problem keeps repeating itself after the first round of repairs.
- Sagging gutters: A fairly common issue that can also be spotted from afar. A rain gutter may start pulling away from the roof when it fails to hold the amount of water rolling down. This could happen because the gutter is too small to keep up or simply not built according to the right measurements. A sagging gutter could also pull off parts of the fascia and cause damage to the roof, so it's not wise to wait too long before making repairs.
- Rusty gutters: If you have a metal gutter, rust is always a possibility. The quality of the metal will determine how long it takes for the first signs of rust to become visible. The owner's cleaning and maintenance efforts also play a part in slowing down any rust or corrosion throughout most of the gutter's lifespan. If you see rusty spots on your gutters, you can always repair the area without affecting the rest of the guttering system, but replacement might be the best choice if there's too much rust to get through (the rust spots are too big or there are too many of them spread over many parts of your gutter).
- Water pooling inside your gutter: You're not supposed to find any water left inside your gutters after a storm. If there's water sitting inside and there are no signs of clogging, the gutter might be misaligned. A contractor can fix the gutter's pitch or identify whether there's an error in the gutter's placement in relation to the roof's measurements.
- Cracks on the gutter: A small crack is easy enough to fix, but larger dents could cause leaks and affect the gutter's durability. Similar to the recommendations regarding rust spots, you need to keep an eye on the gutters to see if this is a recurring problem before deciding between making repairs or replacing the gutters altogether.
- Water spilling down the sidings: Water spilling down the sides and behind the gutter is often caused by holes in the material, but it can also point toward structural problems like a damaged drip flashing or a gutter that's installed too far from the roof. If you're not sure of what's causing the water to spill down the sides, don't hesitate to get a professional to take a look at your gutter.
You can always trust Miami Gutter Cleaning to get the best services, including a thorough repair method to solve the most common problems for rain gutters. You can always come to us if you feel there's something wrong with your guttering system, or if your maintenance efforts are not yielding the desired results. Contact our specialists by calling
(786) 676-8259 or fill out the form at the bottom of this page, and we'll be happy to assist you. No matter the problem, you can count on Miami Gutter Cleaning to find the best solution for your gutters.
