Why Is There Standing Water in My Gutters?

Standing water in your gutters is not normal and can indicate a major problem. Gutters protect your home from basement flooding, mold growth, and foundation problems.

If you have standing water in your gutters, the cause of it needs to be uncovered, and promptly addressed to ensure the long-term care of your home and avoid additional damages. Here are some things that cause water to pool in your gutters:

1. Improper Gutter Installation

Standing water in a home’s gutters can be a sign of improperly installed gutters, so when you’re in the market for new gutters, choose a detail-oriented gutter company that installs with precision.

2. Incorrect Gutter Pitch

Gutters are made to be installed with a slight slope along the edge of your roof, so water flows through the downspouts. When the angle at which your gutters sit on your home is not correct, water can begin to stand.

3. Blockages in Your Gutters

Autumn brings falling leaves into most gutters, and when leaves and debris accumulate, they can cause blockages that hinder gutters from draining water away from your home. If blockages go unaddressed, they can lead to major problems such as foundation troubles, water damage, and more. It’s wise to promptly address any gutter blockages to avoid the further damage it can cause.

4. Blockage in Your Downspouts

Downspouts are critical to the proper function of your home gutters. If your downspouts get clogged, the water in your gutters will be unable to drain properly. This is the most common problem that hinders gutter systems from doing their job. If you leave this problem unresolved, it can damage your roof, siding and foundation as water overflows from your gutters on a regular basis.

5. Animal Nests in Your Gutters

Unfortunately, animals like birds may build a nest in your gutters and clog them completely. If you see evidence of standing water in your gutters particularly during spring, it’s likely a bird’s nest, and can simply be removed so your gutters work properly again.

6. Foreign Objects in Your Gutters

Tennis balls, softballs, golf balls, and even small toys can sometimes get into your gutters and clog them. The remedy is simple: remove them to allow water to flow freely through your gutters.

If Your Home Exterior Has Gutter Issues

Gutter problems left unaddressed can cascade into foundation problems. Avoid the trouble faulty gutters can cause. Gutters are necessary when your area gets a lot of rain. Gutters prevent erosion, protect our siding, help us avoid foundation troubles, and prevent flooding in our home. When gutters leak, they can no longer do their job of guiding water away from your home, and they need to be attended to promptly.

What Happens when You Have Standing Water in Gutters

When water stands in your gutters instead of draining away from your home, several problems can result:

• Mold growth can occur inside your gutters.
• Water pooling can occur at your home’s perimeter.
• Standing water can lead to foundation damage.
• Standing water can attract mosquitos.
• Mosquitos attract birds, who then leave their waste in your yard.
• Your gutters can become a pool of bacteria.
• Winter causes standing water to become ice which can damage your gutters.

How to Prevent Standing Water in Your Gutters

• Keep Your Gutters Clean—Check your gutters at least twice a year to verify they are clean and unblocked. Remove all debris and any bird’s nests from inside your gutters.
• Flush Out Gutters—Use your garden hose to flush out your gutters twice a year.
• Check Downspouts—If water isn’t draining through your downspouts, remove them and remove any downspout clogs with a plumbing snake.
• Install Gutter Guards—Install gutter guards to keep unwanted debris and clogs out of your gutters. Gutter guards save you time and money. There is risk involved when you climb a ladder and clean your gutters, and you can avoid that risk by having gutter guards installed. Gutter guards let the rain into your gutters while keeping the debris out of them. They keep your gutters clean and functioning well.

Do You Need New Gutters and Gutter Guards?

There are some classic signs that your home needs new gutters. If your current gutters sag, leak or look damaged, it’s time for new gutters. If you’re missing a downspout or your downspouts are broken, it’s time to replace your gutter system.

If you have signs of pooling water around the perimeter of your home, it’s a sign your gutters aren’t working, and it’s time for new gutters. If there are water marks on your ceilings and walls inside your home, your current gutters may be the culprit, and need to be replaced.

The Benefits of New Gutters and Gutter Guards

Seamless gutters with gutter guards protect your home from water damage, foundation damage, and more. They deliver a low maintenance solution because you don’t have to clean them twice a year (like you do with gutters without gutter guards). Avoid the hassles of gutter leaks and standing water in gutters by installing new gutters and gutter guards. New gutters will boost your curb appeal.

Get Reliable Gutter Installation

LeafCo Gutters delivers precision gutter installation so you get the high performance gutters you deserve. We install Mastic Seamless Aluminum Gutters. Their durable design helps protect your home for years to come. They won’t rust or leak, and the 5-inch K-style is available in dozens of color options to perfectly complement your home.

Avoid the problems that come when people procrastinate home exterior needs and minimize the possible damage that could result. At LeafCo Gutters, we make it simple to attend to your needs by offering financing options for your convenience. Get the new gutters you need so your gutter problems don’t cascade into foundation problems.