Severe wind, hailstorms, and tornadoes can cause extensive damage to roof gutters. Assessing the damage quickly and making necessary repairs or replacements is crucial to prevent further deterioration of your home. When gutters become detached or develop holes from debris blown at high speeds, they can no longer serve their important functions. Damaged gutters may result in water issues like moisture damage, flooding, stained exterior walls and foundation cracks. By promptly fixing or replacing affected sections, you can avoid compounding troubles.
It’s important to thoroughly inspect your entire gutter system after a destructive storm. Check along the full length for dents, perforations, sagging areas, and detached sections. Key connection points like corner pieces, downspout adapters and hangers should be examined closely as well. Quantify any damage by linear distance or percentage of gutter length affected. Also assess the severity and type of damage, not just the amount. This inspection data will determine whether repairs or full replacements are warranted.
Before undertaking any gutter repairs or replacements yourself, honestly assess your skill level and capabilities. For all but the most minor issues, you’ll likely benefit from having the work professionally done. They have specialized equipment, materials and expertise to properly restore your gutters’ function and appearance. Mistakes made during DIY gutter work can allow continued leakage and water intrusion. Protect your most valuable asset and leave major gutter damage repairs to qualified contractors.
Should I repair or replace my damaged gutters?
As you assess your gutters, determine whether the damage is extensive or more contained. Severe dents, warped sections, and large perforations often necessitate full replacements. However, minor issues like small cracks or holes may be patchable. In those cases, thoroughly clean the affected area then apply a sealant like silicone caulk. For sections with several small holes spaced closely together, secure a metal patch with gutter screws. Only attempt do-it-yourself repairs if you have the necessary expertise.
How do I assess the extent of damage to my gutters?
Carefully inspect the entire gutter system at close range. Look for dents, perforations, detached areas and leakage points. Check key components like corner pieces, straps and downspout adapters for issues. Note damage that may impact proper slope and drainage like sagging sections or misaligned joints. Also examine the exterior wall and foundation below the gutters for signs of water damage. Probe any soft or crumbling areas. Quantify the damage by linear feet or as a percentage of total system length. Assess both aesthetic issues and functional damage that reduce effectiveness.
When is repair possible versus needing full replacement?
For minor damage affecting small sections like a few linear feet, repairs may suffice. This includes small dents and cracks, less than two holes spaced closely together, or slight misalignment causing isolated leakage. Use metal patches and flexible sealants to fix these problem areas while keeping intact gutters. However, for extensive damage across over 50 percent of the gutter system, replacements are likely needed. Significant holes and perforations, large detached sections, considerable warping and poor slope indicate a full gutter replacement. Seek professional guidance about your particular situation. They can advise whether repairs or replacement makes the most sense.
What type of replacement gutters should I install?
When sections of your gutters require replacement after storm damage, select new gutters that closely match the existing ones. Consistency in size, style, and materials provides the best appearance and performance. Measure the width and depth of current gutters and outlets when ordering replacements. Identify attributes like box-shaped or K-style, open or closed top designs, and construction materials whether metal, vinyl, copper or wood. This ensures proper drainage capacity, structural integrity, and seamless aesthetics with old undamaged sections staying in place. Seek input from installers on optimal replacement products for your climate and home architecture.
What size, style and material gutters provide the best match?
Carefully note the dimensions, design features, gauge rating for metal types, and materials used in your existing gutters. Convey these details and photographs of intact sections to the gutter supplier. Companies like GutterSupply and GutterWorks have many options to closely match old gutters for storm repairs. Get recommendations on suitable replacements for your region and structure. Critical measurements include the overall width and depth, shape of the front lip, slotted or solid construction, outlet sizes, and metal thickness ratings. Ensure any new gutters integrate attractively and functionally.
Why choose a professional for installation?
While do-it-yourself gutter installation is technically possible in straightforward situations, storm damage repairs often benefit from experienced pros. They have specialized equipment to access roofs, lift heavy materials, and join sections accurately over long spans. Professionals also have expertise in properly sloping gutters, integrating miters and elbows, and connecting to existing drains. They can advise reinforcement options to reduce weather-related damage going forward. Mistakes made during amateur installations like mismeasured sections, improper slope, and leakage points can compound existing storm issues.
What other inspections and repairs may be needed?
After fixing or replacing gutters damaged in severe weather, thoroughly inspect the remainder of the gutter system. High speed winds and debris can loosen outlet strainers, detach downspout extensions, and compromise hanging brackets across all sections. Clear any accumulated organic matter like leaves and twigs then realign components to maintain proper function. Check for appropriate slope without low spots that hold water. Confirm elbows and end caps are securely connected with sealed seams. Use sealant and metal screws to reinforce these other gutter structures against future storms.
What else should I check on my gutter system?
Beyond directly damaged areas, further inspect system components like hangers, straps, seams and downspouts for issues. Storm conditions may loosen fastener points or hardware. Check for leakage at connections of elbows, end caps and diverter valves. Clear clogged areas around openings that could impede drainage. Identify potential blockages from debris accumulation in high points of the system. Correct any substantial slope variations that reduce flow. Reinforce questionable spots proactively to limit additional repairs after future severe weather.
Should I add reinforcement measures to prevent future damage?
To reduce gutter damage from subsequent storms, consider adding reinforcement products once repairs or replacements are complete. Options like gutter guards, protective polymer coatings, and sturdier hanging brackets help withstand high wind conditions. Leaf filters keep organic debris from accumulating thus eliminating vegetative damage during weather events. Diverter gutter caps channel water flow away from vulnerable spots. Sturdy metal reinforcements installed on roof overhangs offer structural support when gusts blow. Talk to your contractor about the most suitable reinforcement options for your home’s unique architecture.
How can I prevent this gutter damage from happening again?
After repairing storm damage, take proactive measures to reinforce your gutter system. Install permanent products to deflect and withstand extreme winds, debris bombardment, and hail. Options include gutter guards, protective coverings, overflow diverters, and sturdy metal hanging brackets. Guards mounted over openings prevent clogging while allowing full water flow. Durable polymer coatings resist denting from hailstone impacts. Carefully attached metal channel diverters move water away from leak-prone seams. Reputable brands like Gutter Helmet, Amerimax, and DIY Leafsout offer reliable protection options. Consult local codes for approved products that pose no fire hazards or extra roof loading.
What gutter guards or brackets help reduce weather damage?
Gutter guard systems like those from Gutter Helmet use a strong steel or aluminum mesh to allow water through while blocking debris. Guards fit over openings of new replacement gutters. Rubber polymer gutter coverings are also available to absorb and resist impact damage. Consider heavy-duty commercial grade hanging brackets, installed into roof structural supports, to reinforce connections. They prevent entire gutter sections from detaching in high winds. A qualified contractor can advise suitable reinforcement products for your roof type and local weather conditions.
What routine gutter maintenance is recommended?
Alongside protective reinforcements, practicing regular gutter maintenance improves storm resilience. Thoroughly clean the entire system in early Spring and Fall to remove organic debris before severe weather seasons. Identify and clear clogged areas avoiding standing water. Inspect fittings and attachments for loosening over the year then re-secure as needed. Check for proper slope alignment without sagging sections that reduce drainage. Address any minor damage like isolated holes or disconnected elbows early on. Establish an annual maintenance contract with a qualified professional for optimal gutters.
Contact Clean Pro Today!
For professional gutter cleaning, repairs, replacements and protection against severe storms, contact our team today. We service both residential and commercial buildings across the region using the latest techniques. Trust our fully licensed, bonded and insured experts to restore and reinforce your gutters after extreme weather damage. Keep your most valuable asset safe from the elements.
