Gutter systems are one of the most important parts of our home’s exterior, they play an important role in channeling rainwater away from the house. However, just like any other part of the house gutters will wear out and need replacement over time. In this blog, we will get into the main causes of gutter failure such as poor installation, lack of maintenance, debris build-up, and material choices. We will also provide you with tips on how to prolong your gutter system and avoid premature replacement.
First, let’s get into the several reasons why a gutter system may fail.
Debris Build Up
When debris like leaves, twigs, pine cones, and other items accumulate in the gutter system, they block the flow of water. When the flow of water becomes blocked, the water is unable to be directed away from the home and becomes backed up within the gutter system. This backed-up water can cause a few different issues like its weight strain. Gutter systems aren’t designed to hold the weight of excess debris and water, this excess weight can put a strain on the gutter hangers, and over time can potentially cause the gutter system to detach from the home. Another issue backed-up water and debris can cause is the infestation of pests. Pests like birds, mice, and squirrels are attracted to environments like this because it provides them with food, water, and shelter. Having these pests within the gutter system adds to the excess weight and adds to debris buildup as many pests will build nests in the gutters and downspouts.
Poor Installation
When looking for seamless gutter replacements in Ludington, Michigan it is important to choose wisely and make sure you take the appropriate action and ask the right questions so you can filter out the bad installers and ensure you have a company that can install your gutter system the right way. A poor installation can lead to numerous issues and premature replacements. One of the main issues is improper slope, if the gutters do not have the correct slope, the water will not be able to flow towards the downspouts and be efficiently drained away from the home, leading to stagnant water, overflow, and damage to the gutter system as well as the exterior of the home. Another issue that comes with poor installation is improperly securing the gutter system to the fascia board, this can cause the gutter system to detach that much easier when excess weight is added.
Lack Of Maintenance
Lack of maintenance refers to the lack of cleaning the gutter system, as cleaning your gutters is the most important maintenance task you can perform on your gutter system. If your gutters are not properly cleaned frequently, debris builds up and causes many issues as talked about above.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are usually formed on the edges of the roof and cause the majority of damage to the roofing system, but this does not mean ice dams cannot form within the gutter systems themselves. When gutters are not properly installed or have clogs, water can build up and become stagnant in the gutters. What happens to water in the freezing temperatures Michigan offers during the winter months? It freezes, forming an ice dam within the gutter system. This ice dam continues to grow as snow melts from the roof, becomes stagnant in the gutter system, and then freezes overnight. The weight of the ice dam can cause damage to the gutter system as well as the ice expanding and contracting as it melts and refreezes.
Improper Material For Certain Climates
The material chosen for your gutter system can play a crucial role in how long the system will last, especially in Michigan where freezing temperatures are common. A material Michigan residents should avoid is plastic, plastic gutters do not hold up well in super cold or super hot climates, they become brittle and start to fall apart over time.
A material that we recommend and use for our installations is aluminum. Aluminum provides superior durability for any climate, hot or cold. Aluminum is also resistant to rust and corrosion which often happens to other materials in wet environments.
Now let’s get into a few tips on how you can enhance your gutter system and prolong its lifespan.
Frequent Cleaning
You should be cleaning your gutter system at least twice a year to ensure a clear gutter system for water to flow through. Ideally, you want to clean your gutters once in the spring and once in the fall. You want to clean them in the spring to make sure they are clear for summer rain storms, and you want to clean them in the fall (just before winter) to make sure you avoid the build-up of ice dams.
Also, don’t forget to make sure the downspouts are clean as well. This part often gets overlooked and causes water to back up into the system. The easiest way to clean downspouts is to run a hose through the downspout pushing out any debris, then run water through the system to get any debris that was left behind.
Install Gutter Guards
Having gutter guards installed or installing them yourself can be beneficial to the gutter system and extend its lifespan. Gutter guards effectively keep debris and pests out of the gutters, which you know ensures that the gutters are clear for efficient water drainage.
Quick Repairs
If your gutter system has been damaged by severe weather storms, or you start to notice some leaks, it is important to get these issues fixed as soon as possible. Prolonging a gutter repair can cause further damage to not only the gutter system but other areas of your home’s exterior as well.
Regular Inspections
Whether you do this yourself or have a professional do it for you it helps identify any small issues before they turn into major problems. We recommend you do an inspection every spring and fall, you can inspect at the same time you do your cleaning. Look for any signs of damage such as leaks, cracks, loose hangers, or sagging, and get these issues fixed ASAP.
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