If you've noticed basement leaks, puddles near your foundation or dirt splashed up onto your siding after a heavy rainfall, the culprit is likely your gutters. If your rain gutters aren't draining properly, your house can be susceptible to serious water damage. Here's what to look for to solve some of the most common problems with rain gutters.
Problem: Water Drips Along the Foundation
Small drips along your gutters are likely due to a crack, particularly if the problem occurs at a seam. You can test for hidden cracks by using a garden hose to spray water directly into your gutters. If it leaks, you need to have the cracks repaired or the gutters replaced — even small drips can add up to major water damage at your foundation over time.
Problem: There's a Waterfall Gushing Over the Gutter
When water spills over the top of your gutter before it has a chance to reach the downspout, it's a sure sign that you have a clog somewhere. Pull on some work gloves, grab your ladder and check for debris. The most common culprit is decaying leaves, but sometimes you'll find something unsavory like an animal's nest or even its carcass. If you're squeamish, call a pro.
Problem: There's No Water Flowing out of the Downspout
If you've already ruled out the previous two issues, your problem could be that your gutters were improperly installed. Specifically, your gutters probably aren't pitched correctly. In order to harness the power of gravity and allow water to flow downhill into the downspout, gutters need to be angled so they drop about a half inch in height for every 10 feet of length.
To check the pitch of your gutters, you'll need to climb a ladder with a yardstick and level in hand. With one end of the yardstick touching the far end of your gutter, the other end should be three feet closer to your downspout. Check that your yardstick is level. You should notice a gap gradually widening between the yardstick and the top of the gutter the closer you get to the downspout. If not, your gutters aren't sloped, and water can't flow properly.
Solutions for Your Gutters
For professional help repairing or replacing problem rain gutters, contact Anderson Exteriors for a quote today. They're the affordable solution to all your rain gutter problems.