Gutters are meant to direct water runoff from your roof toward downspouts and away from your property. Like the rest of your home’s exteriors, gutters need to be cared for and regularly maintained so that they remain effective. This means checking for signs of damage and cleaning the debris out of them to prevent clogging. However, if you start to notice some gutter sections coming loose, you’ll want to have them repaired before the damage gets worse.
Local roofing and gutter contractor Hinkle Roofing shares some of the most common causes of loose gutters.
Subpar Installation
Gutters that come off after many years can be caused by extreme weather and natural deterioration. However, if the gutters are newly installed and some of the sections are visibly coming off, then it’s highly likely that it’s caused by poor workmanship. Some contractors may try to cut corners when installing gutters, which may go against local building codes. For instance, gutter hangers installed every 2 feet is the standard, but if you notice yours are installed every 3 or 4 feet, the gutters may become too strained due to the weight of water runoff or debris accumulation.
Excess Debris
If your gutters aren’t cleaned regularly, debris starts to accumulate and cause clogs. The extra weight can result in the hangers slowly pulling away from the fascia board. The chances of it happening increases when there’s standing water. Since the gutters can’t drain properly, the water runoff from a heavy downpour may back up and spill over. This can lead to rot on your fascia boards and other exterior areas.
Signs to Watch out For
When inspecting your gutters, make sure to check for the following that may indicate they are about to come loose:
- Lips/Spouts – You may notice a lip or spout forming on some parts of your gutters. This can happen due to water pooling in those areas consistently over time. This can happen slowly and won’t be initially visible unless you take a closer look.
- Leaning Gutters – You know your gutters are about to come loose anytime they look like they are leaning over. If that isn’t addressed soon, they will eventually fall off, posing a safety hazard to anyone walking underneath them. Loose gutters are often caused by fascia boards that have been compromised by water damage, making them too soft or weak to support the gutters.
Hinkle Roofing has decades of experience working on gutters. We can spot the signs of trouble and make recommendations for repair and replacement. We also install gutter guards to protect against debris that may clog your gutters. Call us today at (205) 324-8545 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.
