Common Causes of Gutter Damage

Gutters play a silent yet incredibly vital role in preserving the structural integrity of our homes. But surprisingly, we often overlook their maintenance, only to be forcefully reminded of their importance during heavy rainfall or change of seasons.

By understanding what leads to gutter deterioration, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your home from expensive repairs and structural mishaps. Thus, here are some of the most common causes of gutter damage.

Accumulation of Debris

Leaves, branches, seeds, and other organic matter from the outdoors can accumulate inside your gutters and cause water backup problems. This buildup can significantly shorten the life of your gutters and impair their ability to collect rainwater.

Clogged gutters are the most dire result of trash accumulation in gutters. Water damage to the exterior of your house and foundation can occur if debris accumulates in your gutters and prevents water from flowing freely. This moisture can also find its way into your roof, where it can cause damage and even leaks.

Poor Installation

Gutter performance is vulnerable to a host of problems if they are installed incorrectly. Improper installation, whether by the homeowners themselves or by incompetent contractors, can result in a chain reaction of issues that can ultimately lead to breakdown and expense.

Improper gutter placement is one of the most frequent problems with poor installations. When this happens, water collects between the gutters and the roof or overflows the gutter's borders because the gutters are not in the right place. Because of this, water may seep into the foundation of your house and cause serious structural problems.

Another frequent issue resulting from subpar installation is an incorrect slope. To properly direct water into the downspouts, gutters should have a small incline. Water will collect in the gutters and overflow if the slope is improper, damaging the gutters and maybe the surrounding landscaping.

Poor installation is also a common cause of loose gutters. This can occur if the gutters are not properly fastened to the roof or if the wrong fasteners are utilized. Water can pool in the center of sagging gutters, which may contribute to rust and corrosion. They can also come completely loose from the roof, exposing your home to the elements.

Installing gutters that are insufficiently sized for the size of the roof is another common mistake. Gutters come in various sizes. Thus, it is important to pick the one that works best with your roof. If the gutters are not big enough, they will not be able to contain all the rainwater that runs down the roof, which could cause them to overflow and cause structural damage.

Severe Weather

Due to their exposed location, gutters are especially susceptible to deterioration from bad weather. Winter is especially hard on gutters because of the ice and snow that build up during this season.

Ice dams often cause gutter damage in the winter. They take shape as snow melts at the roof's peak and flows down the roof, only to refreeze at the eaves because of the roof's cooler edge temperatures. Because of this, water may be unable to drain properly, leading to leaks and roof damage. The gutters may slump, bend, or even collapse with the added weight of the ice.

Gutter strain can also be exacerbated by snow and ice accumulations if they are not regularly cleared out. When gutters are too heavy with snow, they can sag and draw away from the roofline, putting the house at risk of damage or removal. Quickly clearing gutters of snow and ice can avoid further water damage.

High-speed winds are also another cause of concern for gutters. Winds can loosen or rip gutters from their hooks and fascia board, exposing them to further harm. Hailstorms can also damage gutters by cracking and denting the material.

Have your gutters become victims of these factors? Contact us at Kelly's Construction Inc. to replace or upgrade to seamless gutters in Hampton, Virginia, and surrounding areas.