Why are Guters Sagging, Leaking and Overflowing?
Your gutters work tirelessly without a break, to protect your house from Melbourne’s unpredictable weather. But unfortunately, when they’re clogged and not functioning correctly, problems start to occur. Problems range from a waterlogged garden to severe structural damage. Sagging, leaking, and overflowing gutters are more than just an eyesore; they look like an outright cry for help!
In this post, we’ll explore the most common gutter problems Melbourne homeowners face and, most importantly, the solutions that will keep your home safe and dry.
Common Causes of Gutter Problems
Here are some of the most frequent reasons your gutters may be failing:-
Causes of Sagging Gutters:-
- Heavy debris with the accumulated weight of wet leaves, twigs, dirt, and sludge is the most common cause of gutters bending and pulling away from the roofline.
- The physical impact from tree branches is a natural gutter vandal. Large limbs or branches falling onto gutters, especially during storms, can cause immediate sagging and damage.
- Animal traffic like Possums, that use gutters as a pathway, and their repeated weight can cause gutters to bow and deform over time.
- Inadequate supports. Gutters installed with an insufficient number of brackets, or brackets spaced too far apart, may not be able to support the weight of heavy rainfall, leading to sagging.
- Blockages can cause water to sit in one spot for extended periods and pool, the constant weight of this pooled water can lead to sagging.
- People carelessly climbing onto the roof and incorrectly using the gutter as a hand hold (or foot hold) during the climb process. We don’t want to point the finger directly, but teenagers who are tall enough to reach gutters may start to test their ability to hang from them.
Causes of Leaking & Dripping Gutters:-
- Degraded sealants, the silicone sealant used on gutter joins can break down and crack over time due to exposure to Melbourne’s sun and weather, creating gaps for water to escape.
- Blocked downpipes. When downpipes are clogged, water backs up into the gutter. This standing water puts pressure on joints and can force its way through tiny gaps, causing drips.
- Rust and corrosion. Older metal gutters, particularly those made of steel, can rust through if their protective coating is compromised or if water is left to pool, creating holes and weak spots.
- Small cracks or holes can develop from physical damage (like impacts from ladders or branches) or simply from age and material fatigue.
- Joint separation, the pressure from blockages or the stress from sagging can cause gutter sections to pull apart at the seams, creating significant leaks.
Solutions to the Problem
The Downward Spiral of Sagging Gutters
Have you noticed your gutters pulling away from the roofline or bowing in the middle? This is a classic sign of sagging gutters, a problem that often stems from the sheer weight of accumulated debris. When leaves, twigs, and dirt build up, they become a heavy, waterlogged mass that puts immense strain on your gutter system.
When gutters sag, they can no longer effectively channel water away from your home. Water begins to pool in the low spots, leading to corrosion and further damage. This stagnant water can also damage the fascia boards your gutters are attached to, leading to costly repairs. While regular cleaning is a good start, preventing the debris from accumulating in the first place is the key to a long-lasting solution. A high-quality gutter protection system, like those offered by Leafshield®, can stop debris in its tracks, ensuring your gutters remain lightweight and properly aligned. With our screwed gutter guard about four screws per metre are attached to the gutter, this strengthens the gutter and makes it almost immune to sagging.
Reinforce Your Gutters by Calling a Professional
In some cases, especially with older homes or long spans of guttering, the original installation may not have included enough support brackets to handle the heavy rainfall Melbourne can experience. If your gutters are sagging despite being relatively clean, you may need to add more internal brackets for reinforcement. This is a job for a qualified roof plumber. A professional will have the expertise to install the brackets correctly, ensuring they are properly spaced and securely fastened without damaging your roof or the gutters themselves. Attempting this as a DIY project can lead to improper installation, leaks, and further damage, so it’s a task best left to an expert.
The Overwhelming Problem of Overflowing Gutters
An overflowing gutter is a clear sign that something is wrong. When water cascades over the sides of your gutters, it’s usually because they are completely blocked with leaves, twigs, and other debris. This is a particularly common problem in Melbourne, where leafy trees are a cherished part of the landscape.
Overflowing gutters can cause a host of problems, including roof damage, soil erosion, and even pest infestations. The constant moisture can also lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which can pose a health risk to you and your family. The most effective way to prevent overflowing gutters is to stop the debris from getting in. Our Leafshield® gutter protection systems are designed to allow water to flow freely into your gutters while keeping leaves and other debris out. This means no more blockages, no more overflows, and no more of the stress that comes with them.
If You Want Gutter Guard Give us a Call
Don’t wait for a small gutter problem to become a major headache. Contact Leafshield today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how our gutter protection systems can provide you with a permanent solution to your gutter problems. 1300 LEAFSHIELD
