4 Things to Know About Overflowing Gutters

Overflowing gutters can be a headache.  Left unchecked, they can become a nightmare. But how do we know why or how gutters overflow?  Here is what I discovered.

The number 1 reason is trash from leaves, pine straw and shingle granules. Once they stay start to accumulate in your gutter, they impede the flow of water to the downspout.  Over enough time unchecked, rain water will start pouring over the gutter.

#2  The second reason for gutter problems is small. (2"x3") builder's grade downspouts on the gutter system.system.  This is especially true when your home has upper gutters dumping onto lower roof gutters.

#3  A third reason is improperly pitched gutters.  Water will "stand" or "pond" in the gutter, away from the intended downspout if the gutter is not pitched correctly,  In heavy storms, the rain water will over flow the gutter at the low end. Proper pitching and alignment of the gutters requires using a level to ensure correct water movement in the gutter.

#4  The last reason for an overflowing gutter is inadequate amount of downspouts for the gutter system.  As today's homes incorporate more intricate designs, managing rain water becomes involved and complicated.  It is imperative to ensure proper drainage from the roof to the ground by maintaining an adequate number of 3"x4" downspouts for the gutter system.

Once these (4) items have been inspected, evaluated, repaired and modified, you can have the piece of mind knowing your gutter system is providing you the best possible protection.

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.

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.

Gutter Installations

We recently had the opportunity to install gutters on 2 new houses in a new Garner subdivision. Interestingly, the houses were side-by-side. These types of situations don't occur very often so we are very appreciative when they do present themselves.

Both houses feature 5" seamless aluminum gutters and large, 3"x4" aluminum downspouts.

Short-Screwing a Downspout

We recently were asked to look at downspout which had recently fallen from the house. You can see below what I am referring to. (I hate ending sentences with a preposition.)

Looking closer, we found the gutter contractor used a 1/2" screw to hold the downspout pipe band to the house. There were 3 pipe bands securing the downspout, but unfortunately each one only had a 1/2" screw as you see below.

The best fastener for this application would be a 1 1/2" zip screw. Needless to say it provides a "better bite" into the corner post.

You can check your home's downspouts very easily. Simply hold the downspout and give it a gentle pull. If there is not any movement or wiggle, you know they are secure.