Allen and Deans recently completed a shutter project in North Raleigh.  The shutters were a raised panel, manufactured by Mid-America Building Products.  The shutters were securely anchored into the mortar joints with hidden clips.

Gutter Strainers

The recent rain storms in the Triangle have blown pine straw from the nearby trees into gutters a little earlier this year.  I know what you're going to say next.  "There's always pine straw in my gutters".  For many homeowners here in the Raleigh Durham area I know that is right.

In any event, I would like to discuss gutter or outlet strainers.  These are the light-bulb shaped, mesh devices placed in the mouth or throat of the gutter's outlet, just above the downspout.  They are designed to keep debris out of the outlet and ultimately, the downspout. They are readily available in all the big box stores and some hardware stores in the area for several dollars each.

Over the last 10+ years we have seen hundreds of them in gutters we have encountered.  In nearly every case the strainers work very, very well.  Except when they are neglected.

Rain water pushes the gutter debris toward the outlet, where the strainer lies, providing the gutter is pitched correctly.  The strainer prevents the trash or debris from entering the outlet, as designed. So far, so good.

However, if the strainer is not cleaned on a regular basis (which most are not), the gutter and outlet are now clogged preventing rain water from entering the outlet because debris is packed so tightly around them.  The result is water literally pouring over the top of the gutter rendering the gutter useless.

The bottom line is if you clean and maintain strainers on a regular basis, they perform very well.  If you forget about them for a season or two, you can expect problems.

Avoid Rain Water "Fly-Over" on Gutter End Caps

If a gutter is lined up to the edge of the shingles then water tends to flow over the gutter end cap.  Through the process of water surface tension, water will flow down the gutters to the fascia board, soffit and down the siding or wall of the home.  Water damage is very common in this area.

Gutters should extend beyond or past the edge of the roof line at least 1" in order to catch every drop the rain water coming down the edge of the roof instead of trickling down the side of your home's siding or wall.  More often than not, the gutters are not positioned properly at the ends of the run of gutter.  We see this problem too frequently when gutters are either installed by unqualified "contactors" or gutters are purchased in sections (10' or 15') from big box stores.

This problem needs to be taken into account when installing gutter protection (gutter guards) because the problem if unattended, will become much worse.  Here are some solutions:

• Position the new gutter(s) to extend beyond the roof line, if the gutters are being replaced.
• You can have the gutter(s) extended by adding an outside mitred corner that will wrap around the edge of the roof line and is more likely to catch the dripping from the sides of the roof edge.
• The edge of the first row of shingles can be shimmed slightly to direct the flow of water away for the edge and into the gutter(s)
• A diverter can be installed on the roof to direct the flow of water back into the gutter(s)

You can perform a simple inspection from the ground to see if you have this problem on your home.  Look (perhaps with binoculars) at the ends of both your roof line and the gutter end cap.  If the roof line extends beyond or past the gutter end cap, the gutter is short.  If in doubt, call a gutter professional to evaluate.  Most will do this at no charge.

Watch Out for dem Squirrels

Over the last several weeks of looking at both roofs and gutters I must admit I have seen some unusual stuff. There's no rhyme or reason. It just happens.

In the past, I have seen instances of squirrel infestation, including my own home. Usually these uninvited "house guests" take residency in one's attic. Since they usually don't have a key, they, like water, take the path of least resistance by finding an opening large enough to squeeze their bodies into the attic. Or they can eat their way into an attic. Wood fascia, trim, vinyl gutters or gutter guards are simply appetizers for these ambitious critters.

However, the photo below is a first for me.

This is an aluminum end cap of a gutter system. There is a small portion missing from it. We did not alter, other than removing it from the gutter nor did we cut this end cap ourselves. This the first time in 12 years that I've seen anything like this. I can only assume this particular critter was very determined to take up residency at any cost.

Clogged Gutter or Contemporarily Horizontal Flower Bed...You Decide

In my recent travels, I ran across this on a building.

Over the years, I've seen hundreds, if not thousands of clogged gutters. But this, as you can see is somewhat different. At first, I felt the gutter should be cleaned immediately. However, after a moment of thought, it clearly shows an added aesthetic beauty to the building.

What say you?

Gutter, Fascia and Siding Damage

Yesterday we completed a job which included some fascia board and siding rot. The repair, as you will see, is not very big.

However, we see this type of damage all too often. The problem was the wall was not flashed properly. Water, running down the roof slope was directed INTO the siding, instead of directed away from the siding.

Upon removing the rotted hardboard siding and fascia we "reworked" the step flashing, directing the water into the gutter and solved the problem. A little paint and a new 5" seamless aluminum gutter and the job is completed.

Downspout Problems

We run into this problem quite a bit. It can as much as several times a month. What is this problem? Gutters overflowing. But wait for a moment here. The title says 'Downspout Problems'. What do you mean?

We find all too often that gutters that chronically over-flow are as a result of trash (gutter debris)or no outlets in the gutter. I want to address the latter today.

Too many gutter contractors in the past, (80's, 90's and some even today) do not take the time, effort or expense to install an outlet in the bottom of the gutter. Instead they simply cut an "X" and literally punch a hole in the gutter, using the 4 tabs as an "outlet" IT IS QUICK, EASY AND CHEAP.

In the photo above, you can see an example of an "X" cut in the bottom of gutter. The opening here is for a 2"x3" downspout. You can clearly see how easy it is for trash to collect in the opening allowing water to over-flow the gutter.

If this is the case in your gutters, you do have a solution. They are as follows:

1. Clean your gutters more frequently.
2. Install gutter protection.
3. Install a larger (3"x4") outlet and downspout.
   

The latter is the most common solution for homeowners. It does allow more water (twice as much) to flow and also will allow more debris to pass as well. However, this doesn't mean you no longer have to monitor and clean your gutters. That unfortunately will still have to be performed.

If you are experiencing this type of problem, have a professional take a look and evaluate the problem(s). Finding the right solution will give you "peace of mind" and well as protect your home.