Understanding Why Gutters Pull Away and What Follows After

A home’s exterior is not complete without its gutters. These are responsible for directing rainwater away from the foundation and preventing water damage. However, gutters can pull away from the house over time, leaving gaps between the gutter and the roofline. This may seem minor, but it can lead to significant issues if left untreated.

Reasons for Gutters Pulling Away

Poor Installation: If gutters are not installed correctly, they are more likely to pull away from the roofline. This is because the fasteners that secure the gutter to the house are not strong enough or are not located in the proper position.
Clogged Gutters: When gutters are clogged, water accumulates, causing the gutters to become heavy and pull away from the house.
Weather Conditions: Harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds, heavy rain, or snow, can put pressure on the gutters, causing them to separate from the house.
Age: Over time, gutters can weaken and deteriorate, making them more susceptible to pulling away from the house.

What Happens When They Pull Away?

Water Damage: When gutters are not functioning correctly, rainwater can accumulate around your home’s foundation, causing water damage. This may result in expensive repairs and compromise the structural integrity of your home.
Pest Infestation: Water pooling around your home’s foundation can attract pests, such as mosquitoes, ants, and termites. These pests can damage your home and be a health hazard to your loved ones.
Landscape Erosion: Water pouring out of clogged or damaged gutters can erode the soil around your home, causing damage to your landscape and potentially leading to drainage issues.
Structural Damage: When water accumulates around your home’s foundation, the soil will inevitably shift, leading to structural damage. This can include cracked walls, uneven floors, and doors and windows that no longer close correctly.

How to Prevent Gutters from Pulling Away

Regular Maintenance: This includes removing debris that may clog the gutters, checking for leaks or damage, and ensuring the gutters are properly attached.
Professional Installation: Make sure your gutters are installed correctly, with the correct number of hangers to support the gutters’ weight and the water they collect. Additionally, ensure the gutters are sloped correctly to ensure proper water flow.
Upgrading Gutters: If your gutters are old and deteriorated, upgrading to a more durable and robust system is necessary. For instance, seamless gutters are less likely to pull away since they are built to custom-fit your house and have fewer joints that can weaken over time.
Repairing Damage: Any sign of damage, such as cracks or holes, requires repair at the soonest. Neglecting these issues may lead to further damage and potentially costly repairs in the future.

The Bottomline

Gutters are vital in protecting your home and keeping it safe from water damage. However, when gutters pull away from your house, they can lead to significant problems. Whether it’s professional installation, upgrading to a more durable system, or repairing damage, you must address any issues immediately. In short, don’t ignore your gutters at all costs!

If your home’s gutters are pulling away, hire one of the gutter installers at J. Carnes & Son Roofing for a professional assessment and replacement. With our expertise and experience in house gutters, we can make sure they are properly installed and functioning correctly to protect your home from water damage.

Call us at 603-686-7763 to request a free estimate!

Jason Carnes

Jason Carnes started J. Carnes & Son Roofing over 25 years ago on the principles that discerning property owners recognize the value of quality and commitment and use these as determining factors on selecting a roofing contractor. At J. Carnes & Son Roofing our mission is to serve the community with qualified, uncompromising workmanship and unparalleled service. We work with dedication and integrity and strive to be a leader in our trade. Building on a foundation of respect and trust, it is our goal to offer all property owners premium roof systems using the finest products paired with proven installation techniques. We enforce the most practical solutions to assure your investment is well protected. We believe by maintaining this philosophy while offering competitive pricing we will continue building a network of satisfied customers and referral businesses to pass on for generations.