How Do You Keep Water from Pooling in Gutters?

June 14, 2022

Rain gutters take care of redirecting the rainwater falling from the roof away from your foundations. By doing this, they provide many advantages that help preserve your property and increase its overall value. A proper Rain Gutter Cleaning routine is essential to make your gutters stand the test of time, otherwise, they will start giving you trouble before long.

One problem that many homeowners encounter is water pooling inside their gutters. It could happen for a number of reasons, from clogs to major structural miscalculations. Whatever the case, there's no scenario in which this is normal. Rain gutters are meant to channel all the water that falls inside them toward the downspouts. They should never have any leftover water sitting inside at any point in time.

To get to the solution, we first need to see what causes the problem. We'll go over every scenario and describe the best approach for each case.

A Clogged Gutter

Clogs are a common cause and probably the first thing that comes to mind when we get water sitting inside a gutter. Gutters are usually obstructed by debris, specifically shingle particles that grow lose in time. If there's a rich foliage growing around your home, some leaves and branches may be drawn to your gutters when the weather is particularly windy.

Another possibility is to have a clog caused by mold or a pest infestation. If a gutter doesn't get regular cleaning, there's not much you can do to prevent moisture buildup and all the hygienic issues that go with it. Remember that clogs can happen on either the gutter or the downspout; in both scenarios, the water would pool inside the gutter until it overflows.

The most straightforward solution is to keep a strict cleaning routine. This way, you can remove all the debris that slips inside your gutters before it gets a chance to affect its performance during a storm. Regular maintenance also helps you catch other problems early on like cracks, corroded spots, loose screws around the seams, etc.

Gutter guards can also be useful to stop leaves and animals from slipping into your gutters. They cover a portion of the gutter surface so that there's less dirt to clean overall. They also help protect the gutter against the elements, adding to its durability.

An Incorrect Pitch

Rain gutters are installed with a specific slope that allows the path toward the downspouts. This slope is what keeps the water moving inside the gutter without lagging on any of the sections.

A rule of thumb is to have a slope of about 1/4 inch for every 10 feet of a gutter run. If a part/corner of your gutters is accumulating water after a storm, your gutters could be falling short of these measurements. This is all the more likely if you don't find debris inside your gutter upon inspection.

In many cases, you just have to bend the hanger to fix the gutter's slope. Still, the root of the problem is faulty installation so there's a chance that you'll need to have the gutter dismounted before the problem can be corrected.

The Gutter Is Sagging

If your gutter gets more weight than what it's meant to sustain, it will gradually lose stability. When this happens, the hangers won't hold the gutter correctly and you'll see the gutter leaning away from your roof. This will obviously affect the gutter slope, but there are also cases where the water doesn't make it to the gutter at all, slipping between the gutter and the fascia and running down the sidings. During the colder months, the pooled water may freeze and increase the weight considerably.

There are many factors to consider when it comes to sagging gutters. For one, your gutter may be too small when compared to the amount of water it's meant to support. This is also a common problem with old gutters, with the sagging being one of many signs of decay.

Once again, cleaning and maintenance are imperative to prevent any weight from staying inside your gutters for long. Even if they don't fully clog the gutter, debris and branches still add considerable weight to the structure when you let them sit inside for days/weeks.

You can also try to adjust the gutter hangers. If the gutter doesn't stay firm after you do this, it's best to get a professional to repair the damage. Keep in mind that vinyl gutters are more likely to bend after being subjected to excessive weight.

Protecting Gutters and Foundations

If you see water pooling inside your gutter, you shouldn't wait long before solving the issue. Even if there's no water slipping out of the gutter, you can still expect the problem to get worse, so it's not wise to take things lightly just because the water is still kept away from the home's foundations.

A functional gutter is the ultimate way to protect your home in the long run. If you don't feel equipped to deal with issues like clogs or unstable gutters, you can always get the help of a specialist in the area. Rain Gutters Solution offers the best repair services to stop the water from pooling in your gutters. We can identify the cause of the problem and come up with a permanent solution to enhance your gutter's durability against wear and tear.

And if you don't have a rain guttering system in place, you can come to us to get the best rain gutters to withstand the rainy season. The specialists at Rain Gutters Solution provide the best installation services to ensure that your gutters fit your home in every way that matters. We offer a variety of services and the expertise of the most knowledgeable professionals in South Florida, so don't be afraid to call (305) 270-7779 or fill out the contact form, if you want more information. We'll be happy to assist you so you can secure the most durable gutters for your home.

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