Gutters play an essential role in any roofing system: carrying away excess water from the home. When they aren’t working properly, it’s crucial to resolve the problem as quickly as possible to avoid extensive damage and repairs. Here are five common signs to watch for at home.

How to Avoid Gutter Problems

1. Blockages

Blockages occur when twigs, leaves, and other debris collect in a gutter. If a blockage becomes severe, liquid won’t be able to drain and may pour over the side of the house. When left unaddressed, this overflow can cause substantial water damage to the roof, siding, and foundation. Clean your gutters every few months to prevent a buildup, and consider installing guards to keep debris from entering the drainage channels.

2. Leaks

Over time, gutters may develop holes or small leaks that cause water to drip down the side of a home, which can lead to damage or cracks in the foundation. In some cases, holes can be patched or sealed, but significant damage might warrant a replacement. If you need to replace a section of your drainage system, ask a local roofing contractor about seamless options to minimize the risk of future leaks.

3. Short Downspouts

When a gutter system’s downspouts are too short, excess water can saturate the soil near or under a home and cause structural damage. For this reason, all downspouts should be extended at least a few feet away from a house to redirect rainwater drainage. There are three main types of downspout extensions, flexible, roll-out, and flip-up; each kind best suits a different residential layouts. Contact a roofer to decide which is right for you.

4. Sagging

Gutters can sometimes sag or pull away from the edge of a roof due to aging or poor installation. This not only impairs drainage, but also creates tension that can affect a home’s soffits—the exposed wood, aluminum, or vinyl siding beneath a roof’s overhang. If you notice that yours is drooping, contact a roofing contractor immediately. 

5. Standing Water

While it may be hard to see, all drainage systems should have a slight slope to ensure that water will flow away from the center of the roof and toward the downspouts. If you spot standing water in the center of your home’s gutters, make sure that they are free of debris. A simple cleanup might rectify the problem, but if not, a roofing contractor may have to adjust the gradient of the pipes.

If you need to repair or replace your gutters, contact Cincinnati Roofing. The family-owned business holds a Master Shingle Applicator Certificate. In addition to gutter maintenance, their talented team provides roof repair, installation, and re-roofing services. Call (513) 484-5363 or visit them online to learn more about what they can do for you.