Top 7 Problems Which Can Occur When Installing Gutters

1. The Wrong Gutter System

One of the main reasons why homeowners experience gutter problems is because they failed to identify the right gutter system that’s ideal for their type of home.

Before you can install gutters, it’s crucial that you first and foremost identify the right gutter system. This means choosing one made from top quality materials that are durable. In addition to that, you’ll also need to consider the location and area where the house is based as well as the weather condition. The reason why you have to be meticulous about the kind of gutter system you install is primarily because some materials do better in certain weather and not in others.

Furthermore, you’ll also need to consider the structure of the roof and choose gutters that’ll work well with the structure.

2. The Pitch

This simply means the angle of the gutter system. It’s important to have the gutter system installed by an expert. This is because the angle of slope is a highly crucial component in ensuring that the water is flowing and that the gutter is working as intended, helping you prevent gutter fall.

The incorrect angle of the slope will prevent the proper flow of water, putting unnecessary pressure on the system. Water will also get to the structure of the home, slowing destroying the integrity of your house.

Furthermore, water can get into other parts of the home and cause mold. This can lead to some serious respiratory health concerns.

3. Gutter Clogging

Another major problem with gutters is that they may end up clogging. In fact, this is one of the most popular problems with gutters. If there’s clogging in the gutters or the downspouts, water will not flow. This will cause standing water, which will put pressure on the entire gutter system as well as affect the structural integrity of your home.

There are multiple reasons why gutters could clog up. First off of you live in a cold climate, a poorly pitched gutter will have standing water. This water can freeze up and block the flow of any water.

Furthermore, debris and leaves from nearby trees and plants can get to the gutter, causing clog. This will cause water to stand to bring with it a whole host of problems. One way of preventing a clogged gutter is by using gutter guards.

4. Sagging Gutters

Sagging gutters are a common problem. This could be caused by the extra weight in the gutters in case of a clog. Another factor that could cause the gutters to sag is the weather and the location of your home. If you live in a cold climate and the water freezes on the gutter system, the ice will add too much weight on the gutter system causing it to sag.

Also, loose hangers will cause the gutters to hang. One of the ways to solve a sagging gutter is by tightening the hangers to ensure that the system is in place and that the gutters don’t rock back and forth, losing their pitch.

5. Damage to the Gutters

Another problem that could occur with gutters is damage, which can be caused by the weather. For instance, if there’s strong windy weather or a hurricane, the entire gutter system could get damaged.

While you can ensure that the gutter system is fixed in a robust fashion, there’s not much anyone can do against adverse weather conditions. All you need to do is wait until the weather clears and redo the entire gutter system.

This also emphasizes the first point where it’s important to make sure that you choose a gutter system based on where you live.

6. Leaks in The Joints

A gutter may also have leaks in the joints. This could be caused by the system not having the ideal pitch, clogging, or poor installation of the gutter system itself.

A poorly pitched gutter will cause standing water. As a result, water will tend to move backward in the system and start to leak at the joints. If this water falls on the structure of the house, it could cause damage.

Clogging will also cause standing water.  If this causes damage and pressure on the gutter system, it’ll create openings at the weakest point, which is at the joints and leaks.

7. Corrosion

Corrosion may be caused by standing water. Furthermore, flaws in the manufacturing process could also cause corrosion. For instance, welding at the joints may cause damage to the external coating of the gutter system. As a result, the gutter will start to corrode and rust at this point, spreading out to the other parts of the gutter.

A mixture of debris, organic matter, and standing water will also cause the gutter system to rust. This is why it’s important to always ensure that the gutter system is not clogged. 

In this case, it’s important to apply another coating of anti-rust product to ensure that the gutter lasts a long time to come.

Final word

While the gutters don’t get the attention they deserve, they still play a huge role in protecting the structural integrity of the house and also preventing certain situations, such as the growth of mold, which can put the life of family members in danger. The first step towards maintaining your gutter system is to understand the common problems, such as the ones listed above.