From drips and leaks to gutters that aren’t draining properly, there are several problems that affect the way your gutter system works. The following issues are common among both residential and commercial gutters, but fortunately, each problem is relatively easy to fix. We’ll show you the signs that indicate a faulty gutter system and a few ways to fix the problem once you’ve located it.
Slow Drainage or Overflowing Gutters
When gutters are draining slowly or overflowing, the problem is usually a clog. However, the clog itself might not be so obvious. If you’ve cleaned debris out of the gutters, but the problem persists, the next place to look is the down spouting or possibly the underground drain pipes – especially around tees and elbows. Fix clogged down spouting by taking apart the clogged section and flushing away the debris. For buried piping, use a drain snake to break up the clog.
Sometimes it’s not a clog that is causing your drainage problem, but the gutter system itself. If the gutters, down spouts and drains are undersized compared to the demands placed on them, you’ll need to upgrade your gutter system to resolve the issue.
Pooling Water
There are two ways to correct this problem. If the pitch is only slightly off, you may be able to remove and refasten some of the hangers. To correct larger pitch problems, you’ll need to remove the gutters and rehang them properly. Remember, gutters should slope toward the down spouting by at least a quarter inch per 10 feet.
Leaking Commercial and Residential Gutters
Any number of things can make a gutter system leak – storm damage, rust, loose seams and more. The first sign that you’ll notice is water dripping around the edges of the building, but only in particular locations. The leak is sometimes tricky to spot – water can flow for quite some distance along the bottom of the gutter before falling to the ground. Start where the water is dripping, and work your way to the higher end of the gutter, repairing and replacing sections as necessary.
Water Overshoots the Gutters
On any steeply sloped roof – usually residential gutters, but also sometimes commercial gutters – there is a chance that rainwater will overshoot the gutter system. Three problems will cause this to happen:
When gutters leak, hold water or overflow, it’s not merely an inconvenience, but a threat to both the gutter system and the structure. Correct problems as you find them, and you’ll extend the life of the gutter system while preventing water damage to the building.