Maintaining your eavestroughs, or gutters, is an essential part of home upkeep that often goes unnoticed until a problem arises. These crucial elements of your home’s drainage system channel rainwater away from your roof and foundation, preventing potential damage and costly repairs. However, like any other component of your home, eavestroughs are susceptible to various issues that, if left unchecked, can lead to significant problems.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common eavestrough problems homeowners face and provide practical solutions for each. Whether dealing with clogs, leaks, or sagging gutters, we’ll offer tips and insights to help you keep your eavestroughs in optimum condition and ensure they continue protecting your home from water damage.
Problem: Clogs
One of the most common issues with eavestroughs is clogs caused by debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt. These obstructions can prevent water from flowing freely through the gutters, leading to overflowing and potentially causing water damage to your home’s exterior and foundation.
How to Fix Them:
To fix this problem, regularly clean your gutters in the spring and fall, ideally twice a year. A gutter scoop, garden hose, or specialized gutter cleaning tool can make the task more accessible and practical. Additionally, consider installing gutter guards to minimize debris accumulation and reduce the frequency of cleanings.
Problem: Leaks
Leaks can occur in eavestroughs due to cracks, holes, or separated joints. Over time, wear and tear can result in these kinds of damage, leading to water escaping from the gutters and harming your home’s siding, foundation, and landscaping. To address leaks, identify the problem areas during a rainstorm or run water through the gutters.
How to Fix Them:
Use a silicone waterproof sealant for small cracks or holes, ensuring the area is dry and clean before application. For more significant issues, consider replacing the damaged section of the eavestrough. Ensuring that joints and seams are properly sealed will also help prevent future leaks.
Problem: Sagging Gutters
Sagging gutters are usually the result of excessive weight from accumulated debris or water and possibly from loose or inadequate supports. This can cause the eavestroughs to pull away from the house, preventing proper water flow and potentially damaging your home’s exterior.
How to Fix Them:
First, remove any debris and clean the gutters to fix sagging gutters. Then, check existing supports and brackets for damage and replace or add new ones as needed. For optimal stability, make sure the supports are spaced no more than two feet apart.
Problem: Improper Slope
For eavestroughs to function correctly, they must be installed with a slight slope directing water toward the downspouts. An improper slope can lead to standing water in the gutters, which can cause rust, leaks, and structural damage.
How to Fix Them:
To resolve this issue, inspect your gutters to ensure they are sloped appropriately. A general rule of thumb is a quarter-inch decline for every 10 feet of gutter. If adjustments are needed, carefully lift the low points and secure them with additional hangers or brackets. If you’re uncomfortable with this task, consider hiring a professional to correct the slope without damaging the gutters.
Problem: Ice Dams
Ice dams can form in your eavestroughs during winter, particularly in regions that experience heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. As snow on your roof melts due to heat escaping from your home, the water flows into the gutters, which can refreeze and form ice dams. These ice build-ups can prevent proper drainage, leading to water backing up onto your roof, causing leaks, and potentially leading to significant damage to your home’s roof, walls, and insulation.
How to Fix Them:
To mitigate ice dams, ensure that your attic is well-insulated and ventilated to reduce the heat that escapes your home. Regularly remove snow from your roof using a rake to prevent excessive accumulation. Additionally, installing heated cables along the roof’s edge and in the gutters can help melt ice and promote proper drainage. If ice dams are recurring, consider consulting a professional for more comprehensive solutions.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs are vital to keeping your eavestroughs functioning efficiently. By addressing these common problems, you can extend the life of your gutters and protect your home from water damage.
Schedule Your Professional Gutter Cleaning in Calgary with Chinook Exteriors Inc.
Maintaining your gutters is essential for protecting your home from water damage. There’s no better team to trust than Chinook Exteriors Inc. Our expert gutter cleaning services in Calgary ensure that your eavestroughs stay clear of debris and function optimally year-round. Contact us today to schedule your professional gutter cleaning and safeguard your home from potential issues.