Severe weather such as active windstorms and heavy rainfall pose a real threat to a home’s exterior with damaged gutters. Most gutter emergencies such as overflowing, leaks, and sagging or missing gutter sections and downspouts are preventable with regular home maintenance. But what happens if you do have to deal with a gutter emergency during winter?
Working Definition
It might appear to be a crisis when water tumbles over the top of the gutter channel and into the window wells or landscaping below. But if it happens just once or occasionally, it is not a gutter emergency. Gutter emergencies are aggressive leaks and significant damage that require immediate attention to prevent further harm to your home’s exterior that could result in structural issues and costly repairs.
Overflowing Gutters
A gutter system overflows for several reasons including clogs in the downspouts or blockages in the gutter channels. However, if the gutter system is relatively free of debris, the overflowing could be the result of more serious concerns.
If gutters constantly overflow during even a light rainfall could be an indication of insufficient slope. Runoff must be able to flow through the gutter system freely and in order for it to do that, gutters must be properly pitched or sloped. Whether the foundation has shifted, or a windstorm misaligned the gutters, a gutter contractor will advise you if you need a gutter replacement or repairs.
Blocked Gutters and Downspouts
If debris has built up inside either the gutter channels or the downspouts or there are clogs throughout the gutter system including the downspouts to the point of overflowing, it could be a gutter emergency under the following conditions. Overflowing gutters that cause stains and critical water damage to the siding or streaks on interior ceilings and walls to large areas during one storm or over several days of continuous rainfall is a gutter emergency.
Missing Gutter Sections
Sagging gutters that pull away from the fascia don’t deal with water efficiently. While they should be repaired as soon as possible, sagging gutters generally aren’t an emergency. On the other hand, missing gutter sections, particularly in winter, can pose a serious threat to your home’s exterior. Runoff not properly channelled through the downspouts gets dumped next to the foundation. Depending on the amount of rainfall during each winter storm, missing gutters could be responsible for basement flooding, cracks in the foundation, and structural damage.
Detached Downspouts
Downspouts direct water away from your foundation, driveway, and landscaping. To prevent water from pooling underneath the downpipes and seeping into the earth around the foundation, detached downspouts need immediate attention to prevent further damage. If you are unable to reattach the downpipes, it would be considered a gutter emergency by a gutter contractor.
Trees and Wind
Trees growing on your property, especially ones close to the house, can be victims of windy days and active wind or rain storms.
When a tree crashes through the roof, you will need to call a roofing contractor.
Contact a gutter company if aluminum gutters or seamless aluminum gutters become dented by tree limbs. It is a gutter emergency if they are dented and misshapen to the degree that little or no water is allowed to flow toward and out of the downspouts.
