It might not be as easily noticeable as your asphalt shingles, but your gutter system plays a crucial role in keeping your home dry and damage-free. If you see a section of your gutters starting to come loose, however, this may be a sign of a bigger issue.
Signs of Loose Gutters
- Obvious sagging. Gutters are slightly sloped to direct runoff from the roof toward the downspouts. If you notice an obvious dip in any of the gutter sections, it means it is sagging. Be sure to take action right away before water spills out and pools near your home’s foundation.
- Fascia rot. If the fascia board becomes exposed to too much moisture, it could begin to rot. Eventually, the material softens up, causing the gutters to come loose.
- Spouts forming on the gutters’ front lip. For spouts to appear along the gutters’ front lip, too much stagnant water has to accumulate in that area repeatedly. Spouts may also form due to water turning into ice under freezing temperatures.
Causes of Loose Gutters
- Excess gutter debris. Leaves, twigs, bird nests and other debris can clog your gutters, preventing water from properly draining away from your home. The longer the debris stays in the gutters, the greater the pressure will be on the hangers that keep gutters attached to the roof.
- Loose gutter spikes. Over time, thermal movement can force out the spikes that hang gutter sections along the roof, weakening their hold of the gutters. Fortunately, this issue can be fixed by replacing the spikes with screw-in hidden hangers.
- Improper installation. Sometimes, loose gutters are a result of improper installation, such as incorrect hanger spacing. This is usually caused by the installer’s lack of experience. When you invest in new gutters, make sure you hire a professional to do the job right the first time.
Howard Roofing & Home Improvements specializes in residential gutter services, including gutter repair and gutter guard installation. Give our certified team a call at (636) 296-1057 or fill out our online form to schedule an inspection.