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You may never appreciate the importance of your gutters until they aren't working properly. Gutters can be easily damaged in wind storms, during heavy rain, or simply by contact with falling branches. Even slight damage can disrupt the flow of water away from your home. Water pooling around your foundation can create leaks in your basement, damage to sidewalks and patios, and even problems with your siding. Spring is coming, and in the Cincinnati area, that means some heavy rain is on its way. Time to get out and inspect your gutters before the showers are in full swing. At Cincy Gutter Boys, we have compiled information on common gutter repairs to get you started.
RESLOPING
Gutters are installed at an angle that allows water to flow freely and at the proper rate toward your downspout. If the angle is too steep, you may flood your downspout, while water may pool if the slope is not steep enough. Due to weather or poor maintenance, the pitch of your gutters can change over time. Damage can quickly result from water not flowing correctly through the channel to the downspout and needs to be repaired promptly. This repair can be involved and requires understanding the desired flow rates and angles required to achieve them, as well as possibly removing and rehanging the affected gutter sections.
HOW TO SPOT
In some cases, the slope difference may be so slight it is hard to see. Some symptoms you can look out for are standing water in your gutters and downspout overflows during heavy rain.
SEAM SEALING
The connections in a gutter system are installed with a sealant to prevent leaks at each joint. As with most sealants, this will begin to degrade over time and likely need to be repaired and replaced during the life of your gutter. According to the Family Handyman, you should look for a quality sealant that will create a lasting hold. This repair requires a thorough cleaning of the gutter followed by an inspection to determine where sealant should be applied to remedy any holes or gaps. Even with regular maintenance and repairs, you may find you have an ongoing problem with your seams. If this is the case, we recommend switching to seamless gutters.
HOW TO SPOT
You should be able to identify leaks coming from joints during a rain storm. However, it may be difficult to determine if the leak is coming from the joint specifically or if it is possibly caused by another obstruction or problem with your gutters. A more thorough inspection may be required to get to the root cause of the leak.
REPLACING ROTTED FASCIA
If your gutters are clogged or have a sag and aren't allowing water to flow freely, you can quickly see damage to your fascia boards. Water can begin to flow behind your gutters, and moisture will ultimately be trapped between the gutter and the fascia creating the perfect conditions for rot and damage. Unfortunately, you will likely need to remove your gutter to replace the damaged fascia. Once you determine the root cause and remedy the problem, the gutter can be reinstalled properly.
HOW TO SPOT
You may be able to see water leaking behind your gutters during rain, and you might notice staining or discoloration of your fascia. During routine cleaning and maintenance, press on your fascia to feel for damp areas or soft spots.
This is an excellent time of year to get out and clean up your gutters. Clear out any leftover leaves and debris, check for areas that may be leaking, and look around on the ground to make sure you don't see evidence of water falling where it shouldn't be. If you find you need repairs, contact us. Our experts can handle your gutter repairs and help protect your home this rainy season and all year long.