Common Gutter Problems That Homeowners Experience

Gutters may only occupy a small area of the roof, yet they are instrumental in keeping your home safe from the dangers of pooling rainwater, including permanent damage to your home’s foundation. You can help your gutters prevent that kind of damage by regularly inspecting them and addressing the following problems as soon as you find them:

1. Sagging Gutter Lengths – Sagging gutters occur because of detached hangers or because a particular gutter length is too heavy from standing water or collected debris. Provided that the roof fascia is well-cared for, replacing the hangers should be an easy fix. Clogged gutters will have to be thoroughly cleaned first, though, before they can be realigned.
2. Gutter Leaks – Leaks typically start at the seams, since the sealant wears out faster than the rest of the gutters. If your gutters are clean and aren’t rusty, reapplying the sealant should be a good short-term fix. You should, however, consider investing in long-term solutions such as seamless gutters. We offer seamless gutters made of an aluminum alloy that lasts much longer.
3. Improper Gutter Pitch – Gutters are installed at a slight angle, or pitched, towards the downspouts to ensure proper water flow. So if you notice standing water in the gutters, it means the gutter length is improperly pitched and should be corrected. Standing water encourages mold growth, and can also seep under the gutter finish and cause rust. Correcting the gutter pitch, however, requires precise calculations and should be left to professionals.
4. Clogged Gutters – Clogged gutters are the most common gutter problem there is. Leaves, debris and branches collect in the gutters and eventually block the downspout. This leads to overflowing rainwater, which could get into your foundation. Regular professional gutter maintenance usually takes care of clogged gutters, but you might also consider investing in a reliable gutter protection system like the Mastic Leaf Relief®. It keeps your gutters clear by filtering any solid material from getting into the gutter lengths. It also reduces your gutters’ maintenance requirements. We can install Leaf Relief to your existing gutters, or as part of a new gutter installation.

Fortunately, a reliable gutter contractor can help you fix these problems. If you would like to know more about our gutter services, call Homecraft® Inc. today at (302) 798-0302 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free in-home consultation. We serve many areas in the Tri-state area, including Wilmington, Bear, and Hockessin, DE.