How To Prevent Property Damage from Standing Water in Gutters
Standing water in gutters is a common problem for many Long Island, NY, homeowners, particularly during the rainy seasons. Properly functioning gutters are necessary to prevent water from pooling and causing a number of problems including property damage. Furthermore, you spend a lot of money in repairs or new installations if steps are not taken to quickly restore effective gutter drainage.
As a diligent homeowner, there are things you can do to prevent water from backing up in the gutters and overflowing onto the foundation and landscape during rainfall. If serious problems develop as a result of long-standing water and overflow, the professionals at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island can conduct an assessment to determine the root cause of the standing water in your gutter system.
Once we determine the problem, our seasoned experts are trained to quickly administer the necessary gutter repair solution. Continue reading to learn more about problems caused by standing water in gutters and how Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island can help.
Do You Have Problems Caused by Standing Water in Gutters?
Gutters are designed and installed to channel water from the roof to the downspouts and away from the building's foundation. Standing water in gutters is a sign that something is affecting drainage. Little or no drainage often result from lack of maintenance or improper gutter installation. When it rains, water will spill over the gutter lips and can create a host of problems including these:
Ways to Prevent Property Damage from Standing Water in Gutters
To prevent stagnant water problems, gutters should be securely fitted and attached to the fascias and downspouts securely fastened to the exterior of the house. Downspouts should also be kept clear from debris. Here are some simple steps you can take to ensure standing water is resolved and prevented from recurring:
Clean Gutters Regularly
Objects and debris can get lodged in the gutters and cause clogging. Leaves, twigs, pine needles, asphalt roof granules, acorns, and birds' nests are common culprits. Cleaning your gutters and removing the debris allows for a free flow of rainwater and protects gutters from weight damage due to excess water buildup. Backlogged water is also a cause of snow and ice accumulation in the winter leading to ice dam and icicle formations.
Unclog Downspouts
Cleaning gutters troughs and downspouts at least twice a year, right after fall and immediately before spring, is an effective way to keep downspouts clear. Otherwise, even when gutters “appear” clean, unseen debris can get stuck in the vertical downspouts resulting in water flowing over the gutter instead. In addition to this, standing water creates a haven for mosquitoes to lay their eggs and cause mosquito infestations. Furthering the problem is when birds and bats that feed on mosquitoes create a convenient home in the gutters, soffits and fascia - close to their food source.
Improve Gutter Pitch
Something as simple a poor gutter pitch or projection can cause standing water in gutters. Gutters should be pitched toward the downspouts for efficient water flow. There should be a gradual slope of at least a quarter of an inch for every 10 feet of gutter. Heavy weight in the gutters, wear and tear or improper gutter installation may lead to a defective pitch. In such cases, repairs or new installation may be needed to restore the proper flow of water.
Repair Gutters
Pooled water in gutters places excess weight that often results in sagging, leaking, or damaged gutters. The gutter may even break and fall off. A gutter repair professional can inspect and repair or replace them to restore proper drainage. The pitch can also be adjusted and gutter hangers replaced or adjusted to the right spacing to reinforce the support.
Install Gutter Guards
Installing gutter guards or covers is an extra protective step towards preventing standing water in gutters. It can be especially helpful to homeowners whose home is surrounded by overhanging trees that excessively shed leaves and twigs. There are literally hundreds of gutter guard products on the market, so getting the right guard for your home is imperative. The proper types of gutter guards are fitted to prevent debris from entering the gutter troughs and downspouts. Voila! No more stagnant water.
Reinstall Gutter System
Gutters that are not properly installed can collect water instead of conveying it to the downspout and draining it away from the home. In some cases, you can replace defective sections or reposition the gutter where improper installation led to a defective pitch. Other times, it may be more economical in the long run to just install a new gutter system altogether. For example, in cases where gutters are severely damaged or broken due to excess weight from debris and water, you’ll save more money and have a greater peace of mind by installing a new gutter system, maybe even upgrading from a 5” system to a 6” system.
Contact Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island to Prevent Property Damage from Standing Water in Gutters
Gutter problems due to stagnant water can be annoying, especially if it's causing property damage or worse, when water is entering your home! Quick action to provide a solution is crucial to preventing or reducing the damage. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone! The experts at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island offer decades of experience of providing solutions that work.
Contact Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island today.
