Why Are My Gutters Overflowing? Top Causes & How to Fix It
Gutter cleaning is an off-putting job for homeowners. Most people would rather spend time with friends and family than commit a few hours of work on a Saturday—and that’s understandable. But neglecting your gutters can lead to some pretty serious consequences, including erosion, landscape damage, rotting wood, and damaged siding.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Overflowing Gutters
You’re stuck inside and hear that sound again; it’s your gutters overflowing. If you keep hearing water pouring out of your gutters every time it rains, you need to get your gutters cleaned. Otherwise, overflowing gutters will lead to issues like:
Foundation Damage
Your gutters are designed to channel water away from your home. When they’re clogged, water can overflow and pool around your home’s foundation. Over time, this water can seep into the soil, freeze, and expand, causing the foundation to crack. This not only jeopardizes the structural integrity of your home but can also be a costly issue to fix.
Washing Out Landscape
Overflowing gutters can turn your landscape into a total mess. When water spills over your gutter’s edges, it can erode soil and damage your plants or vegetable garden below. This excess moisture can also attract unwanted pests and insects like termites and mosquitoes.
Rotting Wood
Waterlogged wood is a one-way ticket to rot. Yes, your home’s fascia boards, soffits, and even the wooden structural elements of your home can deteriorate when exposed to excess moisture. Rotting wood is dangerous and can cause your entire gutter system to collapse.
Damaged Siding
Overflowing water can run down your home’s siding, causing unsightly stains and streaks. Prevent your home’s exterior from deteriorating by making sure you clean your gutters regularly. This helps reduce the risk of overflows, mold growth, and exterior damage.
6 Reasons Why Gutters Overflow
Still wondering why your gutters are overflowing? Now that you know why you shouldn’t ignore overflows, let’s take a look at six reasons why your gutters are overflowing in the first place.
1. Clogs
Clogs are the most common cause of overflows. Debris and other objects like leaves, twigs, branches, and dirt build up over time, obstructing the flow of water and eventually leading to spillage.
2. Incorrect Slope
When it comes to gutter installation, slope is important. Gutters should be installed at the correct angle to allow water to channel toward the downspouts. If they aren’t pitched properly, water can pool and overflow.
3. Wrong Size
Not all gutter systems are created equal. Every gutter system is different because every home is different. Small gutters may have limited draining capacity, whereas gutters that are too large may be prone to debris buildup.
4. Wrong Downspouts
Inadequate or poorly placed downspouts can't channel water away from your home the way they should. Contact your local gutter specialist for expert downspout placement.
5. Not Enough Downspouts
A lack of downspouts can cause water to surge in your gutters. Not having enough downspouts around your home can lead to excessive water accumulating in your gutter system, causing overflows.
5. Too Much Rain
Sometimes, Mother Nature is to blame. The East Coast gets its fair share of rain, which is why gutter cleaning and maintenance is so important. Maintain your gutter cleaning routine with Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island.
6. Damaged Gutters
Any amount of gutter damage can cause water to overflow. Things like rust, cracks, or loose joints can affect the functionality of your gutter system.
How to Prevent Overflowing Gutters
Regular Gutter Cleaning
The best defense against overflowing gutters is a regular gutter cleaning schedule. Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island recommends cleaning your gutters six times a year. Check out our service plans for headache-free gutter cleaning.
Correct Gutter Installation and Maintenance
Getting your gutters installed correctly solves a lot of problems. Once your gutters are installed, it’s up to you to make sure they receive proper maintenance. If you need gutter replacement or maintenance services, give us a call. We’ll take care of you.
Well-Fitting Gutters and Downspouts
Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island makes sure your gutters and downspouts are the right size for your home to handle water runoff. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment with a gutter specialist.
Contact Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island
It pays to take care of your gutters. Since 1965, Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island has been the superior choice for gutter cleaning, installation, and repair services throughout Long Island. There’s no better time than now to clean your gutters; contact a team member today to get your gutter system back on track.
Call us or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. The best part is you don’t even have to be home during a Ned Stevens gutter cleaning service.
