What to Do If Your Gutters Aren’t Draining

Improperly draining gutters can be quite a nuisance. Not only can they be an inconvenience, but they also can cause a tremendous amount of damage to your home’s exterior.

Let’s look at the reasons behind improperly draining gutters and how to fix them!

Clogged Gutters

Autumn is the time of the year where our property receives the highest volume of debris. Countless trees lose their leaves in lieu of the cold months ahead. Some of these falling leaves and other debris will fall right on top of your roof and into your gutters.

It’s only a matter of time until there are enough leaves stuck in your gutters to negate any flow of water from them when it rains. Gutters that don’t drain can inflict high amounts of damage to your exterior, including your roof and your siding.

The most straightforward way of getting your gutters unclogged is by manually removing the leaves and other debris. However, you may put yourself at risk by going up on your roof, so you may want to contact a trusted professional.

Secondly, there is another way to prevent clogged gutters: gutter guards. Gutter guards have a fine mesh shield that goes over your existing gutters allowing water to flow through but keep solid debris out.

Improper Pitch

For gutters to work properly, there needs to be a consistent pitch. Gutters need at least a quarter-inch of slope every ten feet. When the pitch is off on your gutter system, water will begin to pool in those areas, which can lead to water damage.

If you think your gutter’s pitch isn’t right, you can snap a chalk line between the peak and the downspout. If the angle is off, you may be able to push it back up simply. Other times, you may need to rehang your gutters.

Leaky Gutters

Anything that deals with the water flow are susceptible to leaks, including gutters. Leaky gutters can pose a threat to the rest of your property. If water isn’t directed away correctly, standing water can sit around your foundation, causing damage or a basement flood.

Any leaks or holes found in your gutter systems can be plugged with gutter sealant or a gutter patching kit. These kits can be found at a local hardware store and won’t break the bank either!

Contact Apple Exteriors for Trusted Gutter Work

If your gutters aren’t draining properly, call on Apple Exteriors for trusted assistance. Schedule a free inspection online or give us a call at 651-36-APPLE (651-362-7753) today!