Overflowing gutters are more than just an eyesore — they can cause serious damage, resulting in expensive repairs. Can clogged gutters cause the roof to leak? You bet. Can gutter problems overflow into structural damage and cause mold growth? Absolutely.
Knowing how to prevent gutters from overflowing can be a smart way to protect your home for the long haul. If you’re already stuck dealing with damaged gutters that always get clogged, it’s time to upgrade to a long-term solution that will protect your home.
There are a few common culprits when it comes to overflowing gutters. Identifying these problem areas and making some targeted home improvement upgrades can resolve overflowing gutter problems for good.
Gravity is always at play when it comes to water runoff, and when water gets blocked at one downspout, it simply finds another path to escape. One path is when the water overflows the gutter and lands on the ground. Another path is in water leaking into the attic or pooling along the roof. Not only does this damage roofing shingles and attic space, but the accumulated moisture can also trigger mold and algae growth, negatively impacting the indoor air quality. The goal is to catch these issues before they get to the point of damaging your home. Excessive downpours can cause water to linger, and moisture can begin to seep into the structural beams of the home. Structural damage is both difficult and costly to repair. Furthermore, cracked surfaces and weakened beams can lead to even more drastic damage, putting your home and loved ones in danger. Finding a fix for overflowing gutters should be a top priority for homeowners.
It’s easy to identify most gutter problems with a quick visual assessment. The majority of overflowing gutters are caused by these four issues:
Fallen branches and leaves are a common cause of clogged gutters. When waste blocks a downspout, water can get backed up and spill over the edge, leading to messy water damage, leaks and siding stains.
When temperatures plummet, they bring snow. If your attic is too warm, the snow on the top of the roof melts, and as the water reaches the gutters and colder temperatures, it refreezes, forming an impassable dam in gutters and downspouts.
Gutters that are sagging, cracked or loosened at the seams also pose problems by disrupting the flow of water. Unfortunately, the weight of built-up water can only create more damage for clogged gutters, so it’s important to find a solution fast.
Improper installation can also compromise gutter performance and lead to clogs and spillage. The installation in general can be off, but the gutter could also be hung at the wrong angle. Gutters need to be hung at a slight angle so the water flows to the downspout. If the angle is off, the water may not move correctly. Select a reliable, well-designed gutter system with supporting features like soffit and roofing, hung at the right angle, to avoid issues stemming from faulty installation.
Cleaning the gutters is a quick fix that most homeowners turn to when they have an overflow, but solving the problem once and for all is a much better strategy. Not all gutter problems are related to clogged lines, so it’s best to invest in a reliable gutter system that avoids issues in the first place.
If you live in a rain heavy climate or you have a higher roof, two situations that result in your gutters collecting more rainfall, then consider installing a larger gutter. Instead of a smaller four-inch gutter, opt for a five- or six-inch gutter instead.
The other long-term solution for fixing gutters that overflow is to select a gutter system that improves drainage and promotes efficient moisture control. Gutter, downspout and soffit products treated with a weather-resistant coating can further ensure all exterior surface areas retain their ability to help with moisture control and promote proper drainage.
At Rollex, we’re proud to offer aluminum rainware products that can improve the efficiency of the gutter system and promote proper water drainage. Crafted from high-quality aluminum that’s low-maintenance and abrasion-resistant, our products are built to withstand the elements without showing signs of wear and tear, eliminating gutter problems that stem from leaky seams, sagging surfaces and everyday damage.
Rollex ventilated soffit facilitates better airflow to the attic, stopping ice dams from forming, drastically reducing the likelihood of overflows due to ice blockages. Plus, better airflow also helps dissipate moisture, disrupting the conditions needed for mold and mildew growth. By providing a more efficient system for dealing with water runoff, Rollex products are an excellent solution for protecting the home from damage caused by overflowing gutters. Whether you’re dealing with a damaged gutter system and need to upgrade to a long-lasting solution or you’re proactively planning prevention for overflows, contact Rollex today to learn more about our dependable rainware systems.