The first rain of the season is the best time to check on your gutters. If you know what to look for, you can find any issues with your system and have them fixed now before your home suffers from severe water damage through the upcoming winter and spring. Look for each of the signs below, which indicate you need gutter work done as soon as possible.

Signs Your Gutters Aren’t Working During a Rainstorm

1. Shooting Water

Water shooting out over the top of the gutters is a clear sign that they can’t do their job properly. They should efficiently control the flow of water through to the downspouts, even during an intense downpour. Water pouring out over the top of the gutters indicates that they may not be aligned properly—this often happens in the corners or bends—or that they’re clogged.

2. Puddled Water

Once the water pours out of the downspouts, the water should be quickly funneled away from the home to a safe place, such as an empty field or a storm drain. It should never pool close to the home; this will damage your landscaping, flood your home, or damage your foundation. The drain under your downspout is likely clogged if water is bubbling back out of it.

3. Dripping Water

Water should not drip down from the gutters. This can cause a lot of damage to your roofing and siding. If water is dripping at the connections between different gutters, such as in the corners, it likely means they need to be resealed. Water dripping between the gutter and the fascia board likely means you need a drip edge installed.

Bel-Aire Home Improvement in Platteville, WI, can help you prepare your home for even the harshest weather of the Tri-State area! Whether you decide you want a new system installed or repair done on your existing gutters, they’ll handle the job professionally and in a timely manner. They are available 24 hours a day for emergency services as well. See their full range of home improvement services online and call (608) 348-2381 to request a free estimate.