Gutters overflow when water cannot move through them fast enough. Most of the time the cause is a clog, but heavy rain and too few gutters can do it as well. Since overflowing gutters can damage your roof, siding, foundation and landscaping, it pays to find the cause and fix it quickly.
What Causes Gutters to Overflow
Leaves and other debris
Connecticut is known for its fall foliage, and a lot of those leaves end up in gutters. Leaves, sticks and pine needles pile up until water can no longer reach the downspout. With nowhere to go, it spills over the edge.
Rain that is too heavy for the gutters
Some storms simply drop more water than a gutter system can carry. You cannot control the weather, but clean gutters handle a downpour far better than gutters that are already partly blocked.
Not enough gutters on the house
Some homes do not have gutters on every side. The gutters that are there have to handle more roof runoff than they should, and that can make them overflow.
How to Stop Overflowing Gutters
Start with a cleaning. Gutters should be cleaned every spring and fall so debris does not build up.
If you are tired of cleaning them or paying someone to do it, gutter guards are worth a look. They sit over the gutters and keep leaves and debris out. The gutters will not need cleaning as often, and the job is easier when it does come around.
If your home is missing gutters on one or more sides and the existing ones tend to overflow, adding gutters may solve the problem.
When it is time to replace them, seamless aluminum gutters are a common choice. Aluminum is lightweight, resists rust and is relatively inexpensive. Seamless gutters are made in long continuous sections, so there are fewer seams where debris can catch.
Why You Should Not Wait
Water that pours over the gutter runs down the siding, soaks the ground along the foundation and washes out landscaping. It also lands on doors, windows and steps. Repeated soaking is hard on frames and trim and can make an entry slippery.
Once the gutters are working again, check the areas that were getting wet. A door canopy or window awning helps keep rain off an exposed entrance. If a door or window already shows water damage, new entry doors and patio doors or vinyl replacement windows will restore a tight seal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should gutters be cleaned?
Clean them every spring and fall. Homes surrounded by trees may need it more often.
Do gutter guards mean I never have to clean my gutters?
No. Gutter guards keep most leaves and debris out, so cleaning is needed less often and is easier, but the gutters should still be checked from time to time.
Can overflowing gutters damage my foundation?
Yes. Water that spills over the gutter lands next to the house, and over time it can damage the foundation as well as the roof, siding and landscaping.
Need Help With Your Home’s Exterior?
If overflowing gutters have left you with a damaged door, window or entryway, Aladdin Inc. can help with the repair side of the project. Request an estimate or call (203) 776-9996.