Common Gutter Issues Homeowners Should Be Aware Of

Gutters are often overlooked. They’re not glamorous or fun, and you don’t really think about them unless something goes wrong. But gutters are important to your home's health because they keep water from getting into the building. If water gets into the building, it can cause expensive damage—and that could be bad news for your insurance rates.

Here are a few gutter issues homeowners should be aware of:

Gutters not Draining or Clogged Gutters:

Clogged gutters can cause a lot of problems. They don't drain properly, leading to water buildup around your foundation—and possibly even flooding inside your home! That's why we recommend having them cleaned regularly.

Sagging gutters:

If you let leaves, twigs, and standing water collect in your gutters, you’ll have more than an overflowing mess to deal with. The extra weight can also cause sagging gutters—and this is usually caused by loose hangers (the hardware that secures the gutters to the house), which pull out when they can’t hold the extra weight.

Damaged Gutters:

In addition to the damage that can be caused by improper installation or faulty materials, gutter damage can be caused by other problems. For example, heavy rainstorms or windstorms can knock down gutters or cause them to loosen. In this case, you might need to rehang them or replace certain sections. In any case, it is essential that you have your gutters inspected at least once a year by a professional.

Improperly Pitched Gutters

To make sure gutters are pitched correctly, it is important to measure the pitch of your gutter. The pitch should be at least one quarter of an inch for every 10 feet of gutter. Standing water in a rainstorm is usually enough to tell you if your pitch is too high or too low. If it is higher than desired, you can bend the gutter into place and that will correct most problems. If your pitch is too low, you may have to reinstall all or part of the hangers.

Gutter cleaning and repair season is here. It's tempting to grab a ladder and try to clean or fix your dirty gutters yourself—but think twice before you do. Many of our customers have fallen from ladders, breaking bones and worse. After suffering serious injury, they learned it’s best to let a professional handle their gutter cleaning in Madison. So, feel free to schedule your appointment with Madison Window Services and stay safe!