Addressing gutter damage immediately is one of the best things you can do to keep your home in top condition. After all, a functioning gutter system channels water runoff and snowmelt away from your property and the sensitive parts of your home. Leave damage unaddressed and you may be looking at a myriad of problems. This includes water damage that threatens to compromise the structural integrity of all the other home components, like the roof and exterior walls.
Read on as Gutter Helmet® of Michigan, your local source of gutter protection products, highlights the various causes of gutter system damage you need to be aware of.
Gutter Clogs
Water damage is a result of clogged gutters and downspouts. With leaves, branches, and other debris collecting on gutter troughs and near the opening of downspouts, it becomes impossible for water runoff to flow freely away from your home. It will instead spill off the gutter system, dampening your roof’s soffit and fascia, the exterior walls, and windows.
Poor Installation
An improperly installed gutter system is sure to fail after a few years of being subjected to wear and tear. A thorough inspection can help you identify whether yours is done the right way. In particular, it must have a complete seal—that is, if the gutter has sections—and is fastened to the fascia board tightly. As for downspouts, the ends of each one must be at least three feet away from the structure.
Lack of Gutter Pitch
Standing water is a nuisance, especially if in your gutters. It means that your gutter is not properly pitched or sloped at a certain angle toward the nearest downspout. You want at least ¼ inch of slope for every 10 feet. During your inspection, check your gutters to see if they are out of alignment. You can either bend the hanger to push the misaligned section in place or take the whole section down and rehang it.
Protect your home from the causes of gutter problems. As early as now, equip it with Gutter Helmet®, the only gutter protection system you will ever need. With this system in place, you don’t have to worry about debris stuck in the gutters. Gutter Helmet of Michigan is your local go-to source of gutter protection products and installation. Call (800) 824-3772 or fill out our contact form to learn more. We serve Wyoming, Michigan, and the surrounding areas.
