Loose Gutters: Causes and Signs

The gutters are an integral part of a residential roofing system. They may not be as noticeable as the asphalt shingles, but they play a vital role in keeping your home dry and damage-free. Thus, it pays to be proactive when it comes to their overall condition. After all, you don’t want them to pull away from your home. But if you see a significant section starting to come loose from the attachments, this is a sign of issues. Other signs include the following:

Signs of Loose Gutters

Loose gutters come in many forms. Understanding the following signs helps you make the right decision, whether to pursue immediate repairs or invest in a better, more durable replacement.

• Obvious Sagging

Gutters are slightly sloped to allow water runoff to flow toward the downspouts. Even so, they seem to run the length of the roofline on a straight line, especially when seen from the curb. However, if you see a small dip or kink in any of the gutter sections, it means that it is sagging. Water tends to pool or collect in that spot, and if left unattended, it may either evaporate or spill out and land near your home’s foundations. Take action as soon as possible once you see minor sagging on your gutters.

• Spouts Forming on the Gutters’ Front Lip

Another sign that your gutters are close to coming loose is the presence of spouts along the gutters’ front lip. For these to appear, too much standing water had to pool in that area repeatedly. Spouts may also form due to water expanding into ice under freezing temperatures or due to external factors like a falling tree branch.

• Water Spilling Out of the Gutters

Observing your gutters while it is raining outside can help you identify whether you are dealing with loose gutters. If water is spilling out to the sides of the gutters, there could be a clog somewhere near the downspouts. You might even see water dripping under the gutters or running down the soffits and the nearby wall. Worse, water could be spilling behind the gutters, which only means that they are no longer flush to the fascia board. Repairing or replacing your gutters is necessary to minimize further damage to your home’s exterior components

• Fascia Rot

Water runoff isn’t supposed to spill behind the gutters. If this happens, the wooden fascia board becomes exposed to excess moisture, which could make it rot out. Eventually, the material softens up, causing the gutters to come loose. They may even pose a hazard to anyone walking underneath the roof edge because they may fall off at any time.

Causes of Loose Gutters

Several variables can cause gutters to come loose and sag. Here are some of the most common:

• Loose Gutter Spikes

Gutter sections are usually hung along the roofline using spikes. These components help restrict the lateral expansion of the gutter material, especially when it is exposed to hot temperatures. Over time, however, the thermal movement can force the spikes out, causing them to lose their ability to hold the gutters in place. Fortunately, you can still secure loose gutter sections with new hardware. Gutter installers recommend replacing the spike with screw-in hidden hangers.

• Excess Gutter Debris

Excess dead leaves and other debris can clog your gutters, preventing water runoff from draining away from your home. The longer the debris stays there, the greater the burden will be on the hangers that keep the gutters secured to the roofline. If not removed, standing water may spill to the sides and into the landscaping below.

• Improper Installation

Sometimes, loose gutters are a result of improper installation. Mistakes, such as incorrect hanger spacing and pitching, can be attributed to the lack of experience on the part of the installers. Some, unfortunately, take shortcuts to save time and costs, resulting in substandard gutters that are prone to sagging. When you invest in new gutters, make sure that they are installed properly by a reputable gutter installation contractor with extensive industry experience.

• Drainage Problems

Gutters that can’t drain properly are more likely to be clogged. But what if water continues to pool even after all the dead leaves and debris have been removed? It only means one thing: the gutters have pitch issues. Ideally, they should be pitched or sloped 1/16 inch or greater per foot for proper drainage. That slight slant or tilt may not appear obvious from afar, but that is enough for water runoff to drain toward the downspouts. Rehanging the gutters correctly with new hardware can help solve this issue. Otherwise, you can have it inspected by your gutter installer to ensure they have the proper pitch or slope.

• Warping

Gutter warping is a result of long-term exposure to the elements. The continued expansion and contraction of the material make it more malleable to the point that the front-facing part of the gutters looks like it is starting to unfold. Ice dams and heavy snow buildup during the winter months further expedite the process. Using screw-in hidden hangers can help salvage the warped section of the gutters. These can be attached to the front lip to prevent it from unfolding. However, the warping might be so severe that the only course of action would be to replace the entire gutter system with a new, more durable material.

Checking for loose gutters is something every homeowner should do to ensure their longevity, efficiency and performance. Visual inspections, however, aren’t enough; you need to clean them as well. If you discover dirt or debris in your gutters, remove it immediately. Otherwise, you run the risk of clogged gutters, which can result in costly water damage to your home and landscaping.

Northeast Gutters and Remodeling is proud to bring you comprehensive gutter services, including new installations, repairs and cleaning. Count on us for your other home improvement and maintenance needs as well, including roof replacement, siding installation and snow and ice removal. When you’re ready to schedule a complimentary estimate for your next project, get in touch by calling (860) 899-7878. You may also fill out our contact form and one of our team members will be in touch with you as soon as possible.