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If you’re having trouble with your rain gutters, there’s a good chance they were installed incorrectly. Unfortunately, when rain gutters get installed incorrectly, they increase your risk of problems like flooding, mold growth, wood rot, and pest infestations. Luckily, there are signs you can watch for that will let you know you have problems with gutter installation. If you experience issues with your rain gutters, it’s a good idea to have them repaired or replaced right away.
1. You’ve Got Water Puddles Around the House
With proper installation, your gutters should allow water to flow away from your home. This process prevents issues with flooding. When gutters aren’t installed correctly, you may notice puddles of water forming around the foundation of your home. If you have a basement, you may also notice issues with basement flooding. If you see puddles of water around the foundation of your home during rainstorms, it’s time to get your gutters installed correctly.
2. You See Wide Gaps Between Hangers
Gutter hangers help maintain the strength and durability of your gutters. If there’s too much space between the hangers, your gutters will sag. They may even come loose during heavy rainstorms, or when ice accumulates in the gutters. If your hangers are more than 2 to 3 feet apart, your gutters weren’t installed correctly. It’s time to get them repaired or replaced.
3. You Have an Insufficient Downspout Count
If you want to know that your gutters were installed correctly, it’s time to count the downspouts. Downspouts control the flow of water through the gutters. For maximum efficiency, your gutter downspouts should be placed about 20-ft apart. However, if you have a larger roof space, a steep roof slope, or reside in a wet climate, your downspouts should get placed closer together. You should also increase the number of downspouts.
4. You See Disconnected Downspouts
When your gutters get installed correctly, you should see any gaps or dents in the downspouts. Gaps and dents can interfere with the proper flow of water through the downspouts. They can also cause leaks in the downspouts. Inspect your downspouts. If you see gaps in the joints or dents in the downspouts, your gutters were installed incorrectly. Repairing or replacing your gutters will eliminate issues with leaks and flow.
5. You Have Leaks From Gutter Joints
Leaks are another issue you need to worry about when your gutters aren’t installed correctly, especially around the joints. If the joints aren’t sealed properly during installation, you can end up with serious leaks. Unfortunately, leaky gutter joints can cause serious damage to your house. They can also increase the risk of mold growth and wood rot. If you discover leaks in your gutter joints, there’s a good chance your gutters weren’t installed correctly. If that’s the case repairs can resolve the issue.
6. Your Gutters are the Wrong Material
When it comes to choosing the right gutters, material matters. You might not know it, but the wrong material can cause serious problems for your gutters. If you didn’t get a home inspection before your gutter installation, you may have the wrong type of material for your climate and conditions. For instance, aluminum gutters are inexpensive to install but they can’t always withstand heavy rains or debris. If your gutters are already showing the signs of weather damage, it’s time for an assessment. Your gutter contractor might have installed the wrong type of gutters on your home.
7. You Have Issues With Gutter Seams
If you didn’t choose seamless gutters for your home, you need to worry about seam issues. Seamed gutters are installed one section at a time using joint connectors. Unfortunately, issues with connectors can increase the risk of leaks. Too many sections can also increase the risk of seam damage. One way to avoid the problem is to choose seamless gutters. Another way to reduce the risk is to have your gutters installed correctly. If you see too many seams, your gutters weren’t installed correctly. Schedule repairs or replacement for your gutters right away.
8. Your Gutters aren’t Balanced
If your gutters weren’t installed correctly, you could see issues with balance. Improper balance can cause water to flow over the sides. Luckily, improper balance is easy to spot. If your gutters tilt towards the front or towards the back, they weren’t installed properly. If you’re not sure about balance,you can do a simple test. Block your downspouts and then fill your gutters with water. If you can see water spilling over the sides, your gutters were installed incorrectly.
When gutters get installed correctly, they protect your home and property from water damage and flooding. That’s why you need professional installation for your rain gutters. Incorrect gutter installation when installing gutters can pose serious problems. If you recognize any of the problems described here, your gutters were installed incorrectly. Professional gutter services can repair the damage and restore protection to your home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Before gutter installation, consider what material will suit your home’s style and climate. Aluminum is common, affordable, and rust-resistant. Vinyl is cost-effective but less durable. Copper offers a classic look and high durability but comes at a steeper price. Then, plan for proper water flow by measuring your roofline and placing downspouts strategically. Finally, ensure a slight slant towards the downspouts during installation to prevent pooling and leaks.
