Proper rain gutter maintenance is vita if you want to keep the exterior of your home in proper shape. Ignoring the condition of your gutters can lead to damage of your house wall, fascia, soffit, and even the roof deck. You should plan on cleaning out your gutters at least twice every year. If you live in an area where there are a lot of leaves or heavy storms on a regular seasonal basis then you may need to think about cleaning out our gutters more. The aim of your mission is to prevent your gutters from clogging and keeping the downspout free of debris.
Troubleshooting Overflowing Gutters
If your rain gutters Sterling Heights MI are overflowing it is likely one of two things. Usually if this has just started happening it is a clear sign that the downspout or the gutter is clogged. You can clean out the gutters and the downspout and this should eliminate the issue. If it does not then this is a sign that you may need to call out a professional for a closer look.
Additionally, if you notice that the downspout is overflowing with water along with the gutter then it is possible that the system is no longer able to support your home. If everything has been cleaned properly and the overflowing water is pouring out from every location then you will need to at least get larger downspouts, and consider a larger gutter system that is more efficient.
Correcting Gutter Slope and Sags
Another thing that people commonly notice when analyzing their gutter system is that the gutter takes on a negative slope. This usually happens if the gutter becomes clogged and the water adds enough weight that everything shifts backward. If you notice that the gutter is sloping away from the downspout then it will need to be realigned. The water needs to properly run towards the downspout, about a fourth of an inch slope is appropriate.
On the other hand, you may notice that a section of your gutter is sloping. If this is the case then once again you may want to check to make sure that there is not a large amount of debris causing it to sag. The weight of debris, dirt, and leaves can quickly add up to pull a gutter down. On the other hand, the problem may also be a cosmetic issue. Sometimes nails come lose along the gutter or the screws or brackets. Therefore, you should take a look and make sure that everything is properly installed so that the entire gutter system does not eventually come crashing down.
Fix Rain Gutter Seams
Sometimes gutters will simply start to leak from contamination as the seams move apart from each other. If they have been sagging for a while then you may need to address the seams. You can purchase rain gutter seams pretty easily if you are willing to get up on a ladder. Simply clean out the gutter on a dry day and make sure that the area is dry. Then you can apply some caulk or rain gutter sealant and make sure that everything is intact. If you have any further questions then it may be time to call up your local roofing company to ask them to assess the quality of your gutters.