4 Tips to Avoid Gutter Overflow

Gutter overflow can cause expensive damage to your home if left unchecked. Leaves, twigs, and other debris collect in a home’s gutter, creating clogs and dams. When this happens, rainwater can’t drain properly. It spills over the sides and this overflow can lead to water damage under the roof, behind siding, window frames, and seepage into the basement or crawlspace.

Not sure how to determine if your gutters have overflow? The best way can mean getting a bit wet. You’ll need to go out and look at the gutters when it’s raining. If water is spilling over the sides of the gutters, then there may be a problem that needs to be addressed.

The good news is you can prevent gutter overflow and help reduce the risk of water and mold damage.

Check the Gutter’s Angle

Gutters do not sit parallel to the roof. They need a tilt, so the water flows to the downspout and then the downspouts divert the water away from the house. According to Architectural Digest, the gutter’s “gradual slope can be up to 0.5 inches per 10 linear feet, which allows for a steady flow of water during heavy rain.”

It’s important to remember that:

• Too little of a slope, the water won’t flow. A shallow slope means the water will pool and then spill over the sides of the gutter.
• Too much of a slope, the water will move too fast and the gutter may not be able to handle the excess water’s weight.

For a gutter to work effectively, it must be positioned correctly.

Use Splash Guards or Shields

Splash guards or shields are not the same as gutter guards. A splash guard is designed to stop overflow by diverting the water back into the gutter where it can then flow to the downspout and away from the home. A splash guard can be attached directly to an existing gutter, usually by screws. It’s often a DIY project for a homeowner.

Use splash guards/shields to help keep heavy rainfall from splashing dirt on the side of the home. This will also aid in reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.

Consider a Gutter Cover

A gutter cover works to keep debris like leaves, twigs, pine needles, and even small animals out of the gutter. A gutter cover sits or snaps on top of the gutter and has perforations that allow water to flow. It can help keep birds from building nests in the gutter, which leads to clogs and damaging overflow. If using a gutter cover, it’s essential to inspect the gutter regularly to make sure wasps are not building their nests under the gutter, and yellowjackets aren’t building their homes under the gutter cover.

Schedule Regular Professional Gutter Cleaning

Regular gutter cleaning is the best way to avoid gutter overflow. On average, a house needs gutter cleaning twice a year. However, if a property has numerous trees, especially pines that drop a lot of needles, more frequent gutter cleaning may be needed. Consider professional gutter cleaning to beat overflow and significantly reduce the risk of damage to your roof, home, and landscaping.

Look to United Window Cleaning for reliable, professional gutter cleaning. Forget climbing ladders and wrestling with a pressure washer, hose, or plumbing snake. Our team will get the job done safely and with the right tools. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.