4 Types of Gutter Damage and How to Prevent These Issues

As part of your home’s exterior, gutters are subject to damage from various sources. Handyman Connection® of Lexington takes a closer look at the types of gutter damage and how you can prevent these issues.

1. Hail Damage — Gutters made from standard galvanized steel are most vulnerable to hail damage, which results in dents and punctures. Investing in a more durable material like copper can help minimize hail damage. Keep an eye on the gutter hangers, and make sure to replace them if they get knocked off by hailstones.

2. Snow — There are two common problems that involve snow: the first of which is when snow fills up the gutter troughs and weighs them down. Less durable gutters would fall off from the weight. The other is ice dams caused by inefficient attic insulation. Trapped heat in the attic can raise the roof temperature and melt the snow, which then refreezes at the edge and forms a dam-like shape. Addressing attic insulation and investing in heated gutter covers can help reduce snow-related gutter problems.

3. Standing Water — Water in the gutters should ideally flow toward the downspouts. Standing water in the gutters can lead to moisture damage and should be addressed. The first thing you should check is gutter alignment. During installation, the gutters are slightly angled toward the nearest downspout. The issue usually lies with gutter hangers, but, if the gutter troughs are bent or damaged, then you should have your gutters repaired by a handyman or gutter contractor.

4. Overflowing Gutters — Assuming you are having your gutters cleaned twice a year, it is possible that the gutters are too small. Roof slope and local rainfall are factored in when choosing the right gutter size. If the homeowner decided to have a roof that is steeper than their previous one, it should have the gutter size to match. The steeper the slope, the faster it sheds rainwater so a previously working gutter will start overflowing all the time.

Handyman Connection of Lexington is your leading provider of handyman services. Give us a call at (859) 549-5429, or fill out our contact form.