If you have noticed that your home's siding has started to grow mildew or the dirt around your foundation has channels forming, you may have found that your gutters are either leaking or overflowing when it rains. Even after you thoroughly clean them out to make sure the gutters are not backing up, you still notice this issue.
If this is the case, consider having a professional inspect the gutters to find the cause of the problem. While performing their inspection, there are a couple of potential problem areas they will examine.
1. Make Sure the Pitch of the Gutters Allow for the Free Flow of Water Toward the Downspouts
One thing that the specialist will examine when trying to determine the cause of the issues with your gutters is the pitch. When the pitch is correct, the centers of the gutters are slightly elevated to create a smooth, angled slope toward the downspouts. This enables the free flow of water so that it can easily drain when it rains.
However, if the gutters have started to sag, the pitch will be thrown off. When this happens, the centers of the gutters are either parallel or lower than the drain spouts. This issue will cause the water to collect in this area, and eventually, flow over the sides of the gutters during heavy rains.
2. Look to See If the Seams Have Any Gaps or Deteriorating Caulk Inside the Gutters
Another potential problem area where the gutter specialist will focus their attention during the inspection is the seams. Normally, the seams are sealed tight with a small line of caulk that prevents water from leaking through any spaces or gaps.
However, after constant exposure to moisture and sunlight, this caulked seal starts to deteriorate, creating areas where the water will leak. The jagged edges of the caulk will also catch debris in the gutters, causing buildup. This then prevents the free flow of water and causes the gutters to leak and overflow.
If your gutters are leaking water or overflowing during heavy downpours, there may be a problem with seams. Or, their pitch may be off, causing the water to collect near the center of gutters instead of draining freely through the downspouts. Contact a gutter specialist in your area to have them come out to inspect your gutters so that they can determine the exact cause of the issue and take the necessary course of action to fix it.
For more information, contact a local company, like Art's Custom Seamless Gutters Inc.
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