Homeowners generally don’t pay much attention to their gutters most of the time. That is, of course, until a problem comes up and it’s time to call for repairs after some serious storm damage. But because gutters serve a surprisingly important role – diverting water away from the foundation of your house, where it can cause damage – it’s important to know the types of problems that can happen with them. Here are just a few common gutter problems to call your local roofing contractors about.

1. Gutters that won’t drain: If your gutters aren’t draining, it could be that they’re clogged. Debris buildup in gutters can lead to water leaking through to your foundation, causing damage to the entire structure. Therefore, it’s important to keep gutters cleaned and free of debris. Try to clean your gutters twice a year to prevent this problem, or more frequently if you find that debris tends to build up quickly.
2. Gutter leaks: If next time it rains you notice a single stream of water coming down from your gutters, it’s likely that your gutter has sprung a leak. If the hole is small, it’s easily caulked over, but for larger holes, you’ll likely need to purchase a patching kit. These can be found at your local hardware store, or contact a roofing company for where to find one.
3. Inadequate gutter system: If your gutters are overflowing but they’re clear of debris, it’s possible that your gutter system isn’t equipped for the type of rain you get. You generally need one downspout for every thirty or forty feet of gutter, but if that’s not enough, add more downspouts to accommodate.
4. Poorly pitched gutters: Water will only flow properly if the gutters are properly pitched. If a gutter is simply bent slightly, this should be an easy problem to fix. However, if the gutters were improperly hung in the first place, it is likely you will need to call your local roofing contractors to help reinstall them.

Need help with a gutter problem, wanting to have your roofing inspected, or needing roof repair? Contact Advantage Exteriors for all your roofing and siding needs.