Gutters are meant to catch rain and move it away from the home. Even with regular gutter cleaning, they can overflow and put your home in danger, as they can damage the roof and siding  and cause mold and water damage. Too much water can also break them, resulting in a costly replacement or repair. Here are some of the most common reasons why gutters overflow and how to prevent it from occurring.

Why Gutters Overflow

1. Clogged Gutters

Excess leaves and branches can clog your gutters. Instead of rainwater flowing down the gutters and making its way down through the downspouts, the clog will cause water to fall off the edges of the gutters, possibly damaging your gutters and your home. 

Regular gutter cleaning can help with this issue, since you're clearing the debris, giving the water the space to travel down. Clogs can also be prevented by installing gutter guards, which act as a barrier between the debris and your gutters, keeping them clear and resulting in less time spent on gutter cleaning.

2. Too Much Rain

There are times when it rains too heavily for the gutters to handle, and water can begin to overflow. This is made worse if your gutters have sagged, as certain gutter materials are weaker and bend more easily. Prevent this by investing in more durable gutters, like those made of metal or copper. They're more expensive, but they'll save you in future repairs and replacements. You can also add splash guards to prevent overspill. 

3. Not Enough Gutters

Not having enough gutters and downspouts means the gutters you do have are being strained, causing sagging, breakage, leaks, and overflow. This can damage your home by allowing water to work its way into the home's foundation, which can be very dangerous. Call a professional to see if your home could use new or more gutters. This will distribute the rain evenly, giving it more space to flow out properly. Adding downspouts also helps, as they'll lead the rainwater to the ground neatly, reducing splashing and protecting your home.

If you need a gutter cleaning, installation, or repair, the professionals at GutterPRO in Clarksville, TN, can help. The team is licensed and insured, and will make sure your gutters are not only properly installed but that they are long-lasting and enhance your home's appeal. For an estimate, call them at (931) 320-4458 or visit their website for more information.