Gutters

Written by: Eisla Sebastian

Rain gutters are used to divert water away from your house so that it doesn't cause problems such as leaks, rotting and structural damage. However, while rain gutters are effective at preventing these problems when they work properly, they can create serious problems when they don't. Some of the problems that can develop over time include debris damming, ice and snow damming, and landscape erosion. Fortunately, each of these problems can be prevented with relative ease.

Debris damming

The most common problem that rain gutters develop is damming caused by debris. Debris usually includes things such as leaves, dirt and windblown paper. When debris collects in your rain gutters, it blocks the flow of water in the gutters, which backs it up. When the water behind the debris dam surpasses the height of the gutter, the water spills over the edge and either drips on passersby or it runs down the building.

Modern clog-free gutters solve this problem by capping the open top of the cutter and allowing water and small debris to flow in through small holes. If you don't have proper clog protection, you can expect to clean your gutters (with a hose or other cleaning tool) at least twice a year in areas with plentiful debris.

Ice and snow damming

Another problem that rain gutters face is damming caused by ice and snow. Ice damming is caused when large accumulations of snow melt off the roof because of heat loss from an attic, and then refreeze near the edge of the roof or in the gutter. This creates two problems. First, it creates an ice dam that prevents water from running through the gutter. Second, it puts a lot of strain on the hangers supporting the gutters because of the weight of the ice collecting in the gutter. Both of these problems can lead to building damage and safety hazards. Ice and snow damming can be prevented by installing heat tape in your gutters and by increasing the insulation in your attic.

Landscape erosion

Another problem associated with rain gutters is landscape erosion. This occurs when water exits the downspout at a high velocity. This can lead to soil erosion, which not only looks terrible, but also can lead to structural and safety hazards. To correct this problem, you will need to install a downspout fan attachment, which will both slow the speed of the exiting water and fan it out so that it doesn't have such a large impact on the integrity of your landscape.

Buying rain gutters

To get the most for your money when hiring a professional gutter installer, it's important think about long-term value and maintenance costs. We can help you get complete price quotes on a clog-free gutter system that will last for decades - just answer a few questions to get started.