During a rainstorm, the water hitting your roof runs off the structure and into the gutters. These channels safely divert liquid away from the home so it doesn't damage the roofline, siding, and foundation. Unfortunately, repeated moisture exposure and strong weather can lead to wear and tear, slowly causing the trays to lose their effectiveness. This guide illustrates how you can identify these issues quickly to maintain the system and avoid costly home repairs.

A Guide to Gutter Damage & Its Effect on a Home

What Are Some Gutter Issues That Need Repairing?

Clogging is one of the biggest issues gutters face since leaves, twigs, dirt, and other materials find their way into the trays. If this debris isn’t removed, runoff is unable to effectively flow to the downspout and away from the house. Instead, it will begin spilling over the edges, soaking the siding and area around the foundation.

Debris buildup can also cause water to pool in the gutters. The constant presence of moisture weakens the hardware holding the valleys against the roofline. This deterioration, plus the extra weight, can slowly cause the system to pull away from the home, potentially causing expensive damage to the siding. Moisture, sunlight, and extreme hot and cold temperatures can also lead to rust, cracking, and holes in the channels. These issues will result in leaks that can potentially weaken the seams, causing them to become detached.

How Can You Maintain Your Gutters?

Clean out your gutter system at least twice a year. The best time to do this is typically right after trees bare their leaves in the fall and after they’ve awakened in spring. If your home is surrounded by many trees, consider installing a gutter guard system to minimize how much debris ends up in the channels.

Inspect the system's condition after strong storms. Look for signs that they aren’t working effectively, such as puddles of water near the home. When small cracks or holes form, immediately patch them with a weatherproof sealant or caulk, and replace worn or rusty fasteners and screws as soon as you notice them.

If your gutters have serious cracks and holes or are badly rusted, turn to the professionals at JAM Roofing for quality repair or replacement services. This roofing contractor has over 30 years of industry experience working with homes and businesses throughout Aurora, CO, and the Metro Denver area. They install vinyl, aluminum, and steel gutters, and they will catch roof- and gutter-related problems early on before they can cause more damage. Call (303) 364-1773 to receive a free estimate, and visit them online to learn more about their services. To be notified about promotions and important information regarding the maintenance of your roof, text JOIN to (720) 647-9236.