When gutters sag, water flows downhill from two directions and will eventually overflow into the ground. It can do damage to the structure of the roof, erode your landscaping, or even damage the home’s foundation. Why do home gutters sag, and what can you do about it?
The experts at Avery Roof Services are here to help!
Why Do Gutters Sag?
One of the most obvious reasons gutters may sag is simply age or deterioration of the gutters. Time will eventually misshape or warp the metal, which may cause sagging. But there are other reasons for sagging to occur, including:
Ineffective Support
Gutters which are installed improperly may eventually begin to fail. Spacing the gutter hangers too far apart will result in too much stress on each of them. The uneven weight distribution along the gutter will eventually cause a portion to sag. Also, if the screws aren’t long enough to anchor the gutter into the fascia, sagging may occur.
What can you do? Ask your Sarasota roofing professional about reinforcing your current gutters with additional support.
Improper Sizing
You may not be aware that gutters and downspouts are available in many sizes. Most homes have 5-inch gutters, which are generally sufficient for rainwater. However, there are other factors to consider when it comes to sizing your gutters correctly.
For instance, if you have a steeply sloped roof, rainwater will rush down the roof more quickly and will require larger gutters. This is especially important in this region, as Sarasota area storms can dump quite a lot of water in a very short period of time.
When gutters fill with water so rapidly, it puts a strain on the entire system. This can lead to the deterioration of the hangers which are holding up the gutter. In this case, simply repairing the hangers won’t solve the problem, but your home may require higher capacity gutters.
What can you do? Run water from a hose down your gutters and make sure that the water is flowing properly and through the downspouts. (no overflowing) If not, you may need to adjust capacity. Also, have your roofing professional check for the integrity of the hangers.
Clogged Gutters
The most common cause of sagging gutters is clogging. Whether it be oak leaves or scrub pine needles, debris which ends up in gutters will often form blockages. These problematic clogs can prevent runoff water from flowing to the downspouts. The combined additional weight of the debris and the backup water will lead to sagging in the section nearest the clog. Improperly installed gutter screws or hooks may also cause small cracks along the roofline, which provide the perfect opportunity for clogs to develop and wreak havoc on the drainage of your gutters.
What can you do? Clean out your gutters two or three times a year, and always check on them after a major storm. Promptly repair or replace any guttering sections which have cracks, holes, or widespread rust; otherwise, these problems could get worse and result in sagging gutters.
If you have noticed sagging, dripping from the seams, or noticed areas of erosion, you may have a problem with sagging. clogged or overloaded gutters.
Call the professionals at Avery Roof Services, and we will come out to your Sarasota or Manatee area home to discuss your options. Your home is your largest investment – make sure it is properly protected with a great roof and gutter system.
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