Gutter systems are notorious for overflowing but don’t do that for no reason. Usually, there’s an underlying culprit and in this article, we’ll discuss how damaging this can be. Overflowing gutters may not seem like a big deal, but a continuous untreated problem will only become more extensive as time goes by.
The overflow of damage
When gutters overflow, the excess water spills onto the surrounding areas. Depending on where the gutters are located — above your doorway, windows, pavement, garden, deck, etc., — it can cause damage or erosion. The excess moisture can damage and rot the exterior wood on your windows, doors, side panels, fascia and soffit. Damage to your fascia and soffit can lead to water sneaking into your home’s interior. Even if your interior doesn’t see much damage, you can bet on seeing pests enter your home, especially during the colder seasons. Pests are attracted to gutter systems as they’re an easy way to access a home.
Overflowing gutters can cause damage to your gutter system, leading to cracks, holes, sagging and complete detachment from the heavy water. In addition, since this water has nowhere to go, as the excess water spills onto the surrounding areas of your home, the water can trickle down near your foundation and saturate the soil. Saturated soil is waterlogged and damaging to garden beds or your home’s concrete foundation. Saturated soil leads to shifts in your foundation that can result in cracks and water leaking into your basement. As water collects in your basement, it can damage your belongings and become hazardous because it invites the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Lastly, undrained standing water can freeze during the winter and cause dangerous icicles to form around your home.
Possible reasons for the overflow
There are several reasons why your gutters could be overflowing. One reason could be because of an improper pitch. All gutters require a pitch installation to ensure the water can move toward the downspout. However, too much of a pitch could be just as damaging and cause overflow. Gutters should not have a leveled installation. Otherwise, the water will not move toward the downspout and sit still in your system. Another reason your gutters overflow could be because of debris or some other material causing a clog. Yes, even the toys your children or neighbors play with can end up in your gutters, causing clogs. If you experience overflow, consider that your gutter system could be improperly sized or too narrow for your home.
Conclusion: solving the overflowing issues
Gutter overflows can lead to costly bills and damage to your home. To prevent the damage previously mentioned, we recommend regularly cleaning your gutters, especially in preparation for a heavy storm or winter. Cleaning your gutters prevents clogs and unknown items from prohibiting the water flow to your downspout. If your gutters are overflowing even after that, consider hiring a gutter expert, like All American Gutter Protection, to inspect your system. All American Gutter Protection can identify the underlying issues, give you an estimate on the costs and help prevent any further damage to your home. We can even clean your gutters and install our top-rated gutter guards that will leave your system clog-free, so you never have to clean them again! In addition, if your gutter system is too old or damaged, you may need to install a new gutter system. If your fascia boards rotted, we can help replace those. Call us now to schedule a same-day free estimate and discover how we can provide home solutions the All American way!
