How To Inspect Your Gutters After A Storm: What To Look For

By Author: Gutter Empire LLC
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After a heavy storm, inspecting your gutters is crucial to ensure they’re functioning properly and to prevent future damage to your home. Gutters can become clogged with debris, suffer from leaks, or become detached from the house. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about inspecting your gutters post-storm, the most common issues to look for, and how to handle them.

Why You Should Inspect Your Gutters After a Storm

Storms can bring in heavy rain, wind, and debris that wreak havoc on your gutter system. When gutters aren’t properly functioning, they can’t channel water away from your roof and foundation, leading to expensive repairs. Here’s why post-storm gutter inspections are essential:

• Prevent Water Damage: Clogged or damaged gutters can cause water to overflow, seeping into your home’s foundation or basement.

• Avoid Roof Leaks: Blocked gutters may cause water to back up into the roof, potentially damaging your shingles and causing leaks.

• Protect Landscaping: Overflowing gutters can cause water to pool around your home, damaging your landscaping ...
... or eroding soil.

Step-by-Step Guide to Gutter Inspection After a Storm

After a storm, follow these steps to inspect your gutters for potential issues:

1. Check for Debris

Storms often bring leaves, twigs, and other debris that can clog your gutters. Look for blockages that may prevent water from flowing freely. If you notice any, it’s important to remove them immediately.

2. Inspect for Sagging or Detachment

The weight of storm debris or pooled water can cause gutters to sag or detach from your home. Check along the gutter line to see if any sections are pulling away or if the brackets are loose.

3. Look for Standing Water

Standing water is a sign that your gutters aren’t draining properly. It could be due to clogs, improper slope, or damaged downspouts. Make sure water is flowing smoothly through the system.

4. Examine Downspouts

Inspect your downspouts for any clogs or blockages. Ensure that water is being directed at least 10 feet away from your home to avoid foundation issues. If necessary, consider installing extensions or splash blocks to guide water further away.

5. Check for Rust and Leaks

Metal gutters may rust over time, especially after being exposed to moisture for long periods. Look for rust spots, as well as any areas where water may be leaking from the seams.

6. Assess Gutter Guards

If you have gutter guards installed, check that they are still in place and free of debris. Gutter guards can become clogged or dislodged during heavy storms, reducing their effectiveness.

Common Gutter Issues After a Storm

Even with a thorough inspection, it’s important to know the common gutter problems that can arise after a storm. These include:

• Clogged Gutters: A buildup of leaves and other debris can cause water to overflow.

• Leaky Seams: Seams can become weak and start leaking, especially under heavy rainfall.

• Downspout Blockages: Debris in the downspouts can block water flow, causing backups.

• Sagging Gutters: Gutters may sag due to excessive weight from water or debris.

Solutions for Post-Storm Gutter Damage

If you discover any of the above issues during your inspection, consider these solutions:

• Gutter Cleaning: Clear out debris by hand or using a hose. For more extensive jobs, you may want to hire commercial gutter cleaning services for a professional solution.

• Repairing Seams: Apply gutter sealant to leaking seams to prevent water from escaping.

• Downspout Repair: Remove blockages or replace damaged downspouts to restore proper water flow.

• Professional Assistance: If the damage is extensive, consider contacting a premium gutter cleaning service to repair or replace the damaged sections.

Table: Gutter Issues and Their Solutions

Gutter Issue Common Cause Solution
Clogged Gutters Debris accumulation Regular cleaning, install gutter guards
Leaky Seams Weak or damaged seams Apply gutter sealant
Sagging Gutters Excess weight from water Replace or resecure brackets
Blocked Downspouts Debris blockage Clean downspouts, install extenders

FAQ

Q: How often should I inspect my gutters after a storm?
A: It’s recommended to inspect your gutters after every major storm. Regular maintenance will help catch potential issues early and prevent bigger problems down the road.

Q: Can I repair my gutters myself, or should I hire a professional?
A: Minor repairs, such as cleaning or sealing small leaks, can often be done yourself. However, if you’re dealing with significant damage or don’t feel comfortable with the work, hiring a gutter repair service in Portland or other professionals is a smart choice.

Q: How can I prevent future gutter clogs?
A: Installing gutter guards and performing regular maintenance can help reduce clogs. Consider hiring the best gutter cleaning services to handle the upkeep for you.

Conclusion

Regular inspections of your gutters after a storm are essential to maintaining the integrity of your home. By checking for debris, leaks, and sagging, you can catch issues early and avoid expensive repairs. Don’t forget, if the damage is extensive, professional services like premium gutter cleaning services are always an option.

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