Common problems with gutters & how to fix them
It is likely that you barely even notice your guttering during your day-to-day life, but when something goes wrong, suddenly, they're a focal point of your home!
Why do we need guttering? Your guttering system has one important purpose, and that is to channel rainwater along the pipes and away from the foundations of your home.
Ignoring a problem can lead to serious consequences for your home and health, including damp, mould and damaging the property's structural integrity.
So you know what to look for, our guttering specialists have put together a list of the common gutter problems you should be aware of and how they can be fixed.
Blocked and overflowing guttering
The problem: Overflowing gutters are often a result of a blockage which stops them from being able to drain properly. This means they overflow in periods of heavy rainfall.
Another reason why your gutters might be overflowing is because they aren't aligned at the right angle, meaning water is pooling rather than flowing.
The solution: The first thing you should do is check that the water is running in the right direction or if it is collecting at a certain point. If pooling, you will need to replace the guttering so that it follows the correct incline, facilitating water flow.
If the water is running in the right direction, the overflow suggests a blockage. This just needs to be cleared as soon as possible.
Sagging gutters
The problem: Typically, sagging gutters are caused by poor installation where the brackets that support the piping have been placed too far apart. Over time, debris builds up and can become so heavy, especially when wet or frozen, that it bends the gutter. This will cause water pooling and overflow.
The solution: Of course, ensuring the guttering is installed by a professional could prevent the issue to begin with, but if you face the problem, it may be resolved by a thorough gutter cleaning service. It is also worthwhile to undergo a gutter inspection to ensure that your guttering isn't damaged in any way.
Regularly clearing out the gutters will help prevent this issue too, especially during autumn when the leaves and debris are falling from the trees.
Leaking gutters
The problem: Leaking gutters differ from overflowing ones as the water loss is caused by a break in the piping rather than a blockage.
Leaks can usually be found near a joint, outlet or end cap and can be identified as a drip or by unusual algae growth underneath the broken area on the pipe, wall or directly below on the ground.
The solution: The best thing to do when your gutter is leaking is to replace the part that leaks. This way, you guarantee a solution that lasts. It is possible to repair guttering yourself by using a quality sealant, but the effectiveness of this will depend on the type of gutter.
Gaps in the guttering
The problem: A visible gap between the guttering itself can appear. This is often caused by changing temperatures warping the plastic, which is letting water spill out onto the ground below.
The solution: To fix gaps between the guttering itself, you can install an expansion gap filler between the two affected pipes. As the problem is often caused by temperature changes, make sure to carry out the work when the temperature isn't at an extreme.
Missing guttering
The problem: In some cases, you might find that you are missing guttering. This might be due to bad weather conditions or simply neglect; whatever the case, this is a problem that needs resolving.
The solution: Replacing the guttering is your solution to this issue. This will prevent leaks and misalignment between new and old guttering, so you won't face other problems further down the line.
Damaged guttering
The problem: Storms and heavy rainfall can cause damage to a guttering system, leading to leaks, breaks or gaps.
The solution: You can't stop the weather, so there is very little you can do to prevent it from damaging your guttering. It is recommended that after extreme weather, you check your guttering for damage, such as breakages, leaks or overflows. If you notice anything, call a specialist to inspect it and repair the damage.
Resolve your gutter problems with our experts
There you have it, six of the most common problems with guttering and the resolutions to them.
If you notice any of these problems, The Gutter and Cladding Company are on hand to help. We have been helping property owners of residential homes and commercial buildings maintain and improve the exterior of their buildings for over 20 years.
Our team have experienced almost everything you can with guttering, meaning they hold a wealth of knowledge on repairing and replacing it and can use this to find a solution to any problem.
We will respond as quickly as possible to your enquiry so you can have peace of mind that it is being dealt with.
We will conduct a thorough inspection of your guttering before recommending a solution. But don't worry, we know when a problem is worth repairing or replacing, so you can trust us to make the most cost-effective recommendation for your situation.
Book a consultation with us today by calling 01202 470044 or completing our online contact form to request a callback.