Gutters play an essential role in the health of your home. Issues with this system can cause damage to the roof, siding, and foundation, as well as landscaping features, like plants and flower beds. Understanding how different components function ensures you know what do do when problems arise. 

5 Components of a Residential Gutter System

1. Gutter

These channels run around the perimeter of your roof to collect rainwater, snowmelt, and other moisture. Water flows into the system and is deposited away from the roof, effectively preventing leaks.

They can often become clogged with leaves and other debris that blocks water from flowing through them. They can also develop holes or become detached from the side of your roof, disrupting proper function. 

2. Downspout

As water runs through the gutter channel, it makes its way to the downspout. This vertical pipe is attached to the side of a home using a downspout bracket.

Downspouts are designed to deposit water on the ground below. However, if the downspout is positioned improperly, water can pool around the base of the house and saturate the soil, causing mold growth, rot, and foundation issues.  

3. Elbow

Elbows are curved pieces of pipe that can be situated at the top or bottom of the downspout. Improper positioning can inhibit their function, but they can also become clogged with debris. 

Water that becomes stuck in the downspout due to clogs will likely freeze in cold weather, preventing proper drainage. If blockages are left unaddressed, liquid will continue to back up and freeze into ice dams on the gutter system.

4. Fascia Bracket

The fascia is a board that extends around the lip of the roof, and fascia brackets are used to attach the gutter system to the roof edges. Old age, bad storms, and clogs can also cause the fascia brackets to fail. As fasteners become disconnected, your gutters will pull away from the home. 

5. End Cap

The ends of your gutters are closed off with caps. Water can sometimes pour over end caps, which is usually an issue with the system’s pitch or tilt.

Back pitch is a common problem. This happens when the gutter is tilted in the wrong direction, causing water to flow back toward the end cap, instead of away from it. This will keep water from flowing to the downspouts and away from the home.

 

Seaford Roofing Inc. can help with a variety of gutter problems. They have been serving Kannapolis and Concord, NC, since 1969, and can handle roof maintenance, repairs, and replacements. They proudly back their work with a guarantee, so you can rest assured of a job well done. They also have experience working with insurance companies, giving you one less thing to stress over if your home is damaged. Call (704) 938-4542 for more information and to get started on a free estimate.