The rain gutter system is your home’s drainage system, and is designed to remove excess moisture from the roof. This system is often overlooked and unappreciated, but broken, run-down or clogged gutters can cause serious water damage to both the roof and interior of your home, so it’s critical to give it some TLC during your annual spring maintenance.

It’s important to keep your gutters maintained & repair any damage right away to prevent untimely and costly roof repairs down the road.

5 Most Common Rain Gutter Repairs

Gutter maintenance plays an important role in keeping your home and roof in tip-top shape. With spring rain on the way, now is a great time to make sure your gutters are properly functioning. Five of the most common gutter repairs in residential roofing include:

1. Loose or Missing Gutters. High winds, rain, and snowstorms can cause gutters to become loose or even disappear. Sections that are overrun with leaves and other debris can sag and detach from the house as well. Loose or missing gutters can cause damage to the roof and siding of your home. The overflow of water that spills onto the areas around your home can also potentially destroy the landscaping. Gutter repairs provided by a qualified roofing contractor can include re-attaching or replacing broken components.

2. Clogged Gutters. Gutters and downspouts must be clear of leaves and debris to do their job. Gutters become clogged for a variety of reasons, including the formation of ice dams, the growth of mold and vegetation, falling leaves and debris from nearby trees. Clear out your gutters this spring– it’s best to do unclog gutters on a dry day, when leaves and small twigs can be removed by hand or with a handheld blower. Once you’ve removed the debris, gently flush your gutters with a garden hose or a gutter cleaning tool to confirm that you have improved the drainage process. Also consider leaf-relief-gutter-protection system for clog-free gutters in the future!

3. Leaks. Sunlight and rough weather can cause gutters to crack, which in turn leads to leaks. Using a garden hose, spray water on your roof to see if your gutters are leaking. If you don’t have seamless gutters, your system may also begin to leak at aging seams. These leaks may be repaired with silicone sealant. Be sure to seal both the inside and outside of the gutter. Waterproof or gutter sealer is easy to apply to dry, sanded gutters. Large holes or cracks may require sections of your rain gutters to be replaced. Ultimately, the size of the cracks or holes may determine whether you are comfortable making simple repairs yourself or relying on a roof and gutter expert.

4. Normal Wear and Tear. Your home’s gutters are designed to last several decades, but at some point you realize the life of the gutter is over. From corrosion, holes, sagging and leaking to  missing, loose or bent fasteners, gutter repairs will require repairs or replacement. Rust, cracks, and severe mildew may not be cost efficient to repair. Call on a professional roofing & gutter contractor to inspect the damage and recommend a new system crafted from vinyl, copper, galvanized steel, or aluminum.

5. Damaged Downspouts. The downspout of the gutter is the part that delivers the water to run-off areas on the ground. Downspouts that become misdirected or damaged can begin to direct water toward the foundation of your home rather than away from the house. A soggy foundation can create expensive water damage problems. Additionally, if your downspouts are joined to fascia boards, ensure that they are firmly attached. Have damaged downspouts repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid costly home repairs.

Need Gutters Repaired Or Replaced?

Rain Gutters: 5 Fall Maintenance & Repair Tips

HomeMasters is here to offer a solution to all your roofing & gutter problems! With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, we have the experience and expertise to handle your gutter replacement & repair needs.