WHY DO YOUR GUTTERS OVERFLOW?

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Overflowing gutters can also become heavy and start to shift.  Over time, standing water in your gutters might even unbalance the entire system.  Then, you’ll have to pay for realignment and repairs to fix it. And in some cases, you might have to replace the whole thing.

Should Gutters Overflow in Heavy Rain?

Where you live can play a significant role in your gutters’ effectiveness.  For example, people who live in areas with lots of rain might have to repair or replace their systems often.  Meanwhile, people who live in arid climates can use the same drainage lines for many years.  Regardless, your gutters shouldn’t overflow at any point unless there’s an obstruction.

Gutters and downspouts collect and move rainwater away from your home’s foundation.  But if they don’t work efficiently, it can lead to water damage to your roof, fascia, and even your home’s foundation.  There are several reasons your gutters may be making a bit too much of a splash, including clogs or poor positioning. 

Let’s break down the most common reasons your gutters are overflowing.

An Abundance of Rain 

Even though the purpose of gutters is to handle the rain, if water pours down in extreme volumes, it could cause an overflow.  It can also lead to sagging and breaking, which are signs to install new gutters.  

Too Few Gutters and Downspouts 

If gutters don’t line your roof on all sides that are parallel to the ground, they may overflow.  This is also the case with downspouts, the vertical pipes that send the water out of your gutters and into the ground away from your home.   Too few downspouts can also lead to overflow because there aren’t enough of them to pick up the slack.

Water might be life, but it can wreak havoc on your home if not kept in check.

Undersized Gutters

Small or insufficient gutters could lead to water overflow because they can’t handle the water volume.  If you suspect undersized gutters are to blame, contact a a professional in your area to assess the size and quantity of your gutters.

The most common gutter size is the 5-inch gutter.  This size works well for ranches, small to mid-sized homes, and areas with less rain.  But if you live in a rainy area or have a larger home with a large or steep roof, we always recommend the 6-inch gutters to our customers.

Clogged Gutters and Downspouts

You’ve likely noticed that a rainstorm can bring lots of debris like leaves and branches with it.  This debris can fill and clog your gutters and downspouts.  With the debris blocking the movement of rainwater, it’s left with no option but to overflow.  You can handle this problem by investing in clog-resistant gutters for your home or cleaning your gutters when the seasons change.  This is a job you can do yourself if you’re comfortable on a ladder. 

Gutters Positioned Incorrectly 

During installation, gutters are lined up and placed at specific angles.  Their position is important because it helps direct the flow of water down and away from your home.  If your gutters aren’t aligned the right way, it can lead to overflow.  If you’ve checked for debris and you have the correctly-sized gutters in the correct number, and you’re still dealing with overflowing gutters, call a professional in your area to investigate the problem.

Act fast if you notice that your gutters collect water or spill over the sides.  Heavy or clogged drainage systems can cause a snowball effect at your house. So, try these five suggestions when you’re ready:

#1. Clean Up Your Downspouts

Remove any leftover debris that could flow through the pipes and cause a jam.  But keep in mind that cleaning out gutters can be dangerous.  So, proceed with caution, use safety equipment, and ask for help if you need it.

#2. Buy Some Gutter Guards

There are advantages and disadvantages to using gutter guards.  However, guarded gutters don’t fill up with debris as quickly as unprotected pipes.  And pests generally stay away.  But always find out your options first because some insurance companies don’t like gutter guards.

#3. Install Splash Guards

Splash guards help prevent water from spilling down the side of your house during heavy rains.  So, they’re practical for homes in moist climates.  Plus, a splash guard can also keep pests from nesting in your lines. So, weigh the pros and cons carefully.

#4.  Try Using Bigger Gutters

If you buy bigger pipes and wider downspouts, your system won’t get jammed so easily. More space allows for better water flow.   And better water flow creates momentum inside your system.  That means oversized gutters get clogged a lot less.

#5. Check the Pitch and Tilt

The pitch and tilt of your gutters are more important than you think.  That’s because channels with the wrong angle or tilt can create stagnant pockets of standing water. And if that happens, your entire system could break.

What Damage Can Overflowing Gutters Cause?

Overflowing gutters aren’t good. They can cause significant damage to your property.  Plus, it’s easier to fix clogged drains than fixing a dilapidated exterior wall. So, pay close attention to the condition of your system and repair damages as quickly as possible.

Clogged gutters can rot your facia. When that happens, water could enter your home.  You might see ceiling damage or problems around windows and woodwork as a result.  And if the problem persists, you could compromise the integrity of your house.