Did you know that if your home receives just 2 inches of rainwater, that it is equivalent to over 1,000 gallons of water moving over your roof and through your gutter system?
That's a lot of water for your gutter system to handle, and with Georgia receiving an average annual rainfall of about 50 inches, that's around 25,000 gallons of water moving through your downspouts. Not only is it important to ensure that your gutters are working properly to protect your home, but knowing how to spot damages is key to preventing more costly damages.
Gutter Overflow
One of the easiest signs to spot a gutter problem is visible water overflow in your gutter system during or shortly after rainstorms. If you notice that water is splashing or pouring over the sides of your gutters, instead of quickly flowing through and down the system, this can be a primary indicator that your gutters have some sort of clog or buildup inside of them.
Different types of debris, such as leaves, dirt, and other organic matter can create clogs inside of your gutter system, which in turn blocks water flow. The first step in dealing with gutter overflow is always going to be seeking out a gutter cleaning to have the debris removed by a professional.
Drooping Gutters
Since gutters run parallel along the flat edges of your home's roof, an easy way to spot a weak area is by noticing sagging or drooping gutters. This issue can not only lead to stifled water flow, but it can even lead to water not even making it to the proper downspout at all, which over time can cause major structural and foundational damage to your home.
The first thing your should do when you notice your gutters aren't running parallel to your home's roof is to contact a gutter professional. This issue can seriously cause your home and your wallet to hurt as time, and water flow, goes on.
Rust, Corrosion, and Water Damage
There are also a few other ways to visibly tell if your gutters may be damaged, all without needing to get up on a ladder. If your home is a bit older or hasn't had gutter or roof service in a while, then you may notice some rusting or corrosion from the ground. If your gutters are rusting through, they can lead to water flowing down the side of your home, causing water damage to your fascia, soffit, and/or siding over time.
Not only do rusty and corroded gutters present a potential leak or gutter sag, but they also can harm the curb appeal of your home. Gutters with rust-resistant coatings and fresh paint not only will give you peace of mind that your home will handle rainfall appropriately, but they can also be a very aesthetically pleasing upgrade to your home's exterior!
What to Do Next
As a homeowner, being able to recognize damages to your home's roof and gutter system are half the battle. If you have ever noticed any of these issues, contact Trotter Roofing & Gutters today! Our roofing and gutter specialists are able to analyze your current system to locate any damages or potential hazards, and repair them accordingly.