Gutter problems are not only a pain when they are not working correctly, but can cause costly problems such as damaged siding, leaking windows, and even foundation failure. Gutters and downspout problems is also a leading cause of leaky basements. Fixing this problem is money well spent and will prevent and will prolong the life of your home.
Here is a question I received about gutter problems;
"I live in a twenty year-old ranch house on a large wooded lot. I know that it is important to keep the gutters clean and I always do. When we get a good rainfall, I can look out of the window and see the water cascading over the gutters. I check the gutters and they are clean, but they still run over. What could be causing the gutters to overflow?"
I get this question often, but in most cases it is only a few things that can cause this. One of the most common problems comes from having long runs of gutters, with very few downspouts. Runs over thirty feet without a downspout, could back up in heavy rains. This happens just because the downspouts cannot drain the water fast enough.
Another cause can be that the downspout is clogged. The best way to check this is to run water in the gutters and check to see if you have a good flow coming out of the downspout.
If your down spouts drain to an under ground drain, the problem may be that the under ground pipes are clogged. To check this, run water directly into the downspouts for about ten minutes. If the water starts backing up, it is time to have the drainpipes cleaned out.
After you have determined that the gutters and down spouts are working properly, you could install some basket strainers in the top of the downspouts. This will help keep the downspouts and or drains from getting clogged.
I recommend that you call your local professional handyman; he can help you with this problem and recommend products that can eliminate the cutter cleaning process.
Let's go Fishing
Here is a question I received about gutter problems;
"I live in a twenty year-old ranch house on a large wooded lot. I know that it is important to keep the gutters clean and I always do. When we get a good rainfall, I can look out of the window and see the water cascading over the gutters. I check the gutters and they are clean, but they still run over. What could be causing the gutters to overflow?"
I get this question often, but in most cases it is only a few things that can cause this. One of the most common problems comes from having long runs of gutters, with very few downspouts. Runs over thirty feet without a downspout, could back up in heavy rains. This happens just because the downspouts cannot drain the water fast enough.
Another cause can be that the downspout is clogged. The best way to check this is to run water in the gutters and check to see if you have a good flow coming out of the downspout.
If your down spouts drain to an under ground drain, the problem may be that the under ground pipes are clogged. To check this, run water directly into the downspouts for about ten minutes. If the water starts backing up, it is time to have the drainpipes cleaned out.
After you have determined that the gutters and down spouts are working properly, you could install some basket strainers in the top of the downspouts. This will help keep the downspouts and or drains from getting clogged.
I recommend that you call your local professional handyman; he can help you with this problem and recommend products that can eliminate the cutter cleaning process.
Let's go Fishing
1 comment:
I found a inexpensive gutter screen that is just coming out to beat the other high priced screens/covers. It is web site oriented and is shipped right to your door. It is at www.supercleangutterscreen.com I don't have the overflow problems anymore. it works great!
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