Downspouts or gutter spouts are an essential part of the drainage system of any home. Pulling water away from the foundation to save them from water damage including basement flooding, or soil erosion. But over time, your gutter spouts can become, debris buildup, extreme weather, or just plain wear and tear and get clogged, damaged or detached.
Allowing a bad gutter spout to remain uncommented on will cost the homeowner thousands in repairs from neglected structural damage. Fortunately, your gutter system will be performing year-round and with regular maintenance and timely repair, will function as intended. In this guide, we will tell you how important gutter spout maintenance is, why it gets damaged, what should be done with the damage and when to hire the Eavestrough Guy professionals if you need help.
The Role of Gutter Spouts
Gutter spouts are the vertical pipes that the water runs down from the gutters to the ground so that the water flows away from the house. The water could be left to build up around the foundation and there is a risk it will seep underneath the building and cause structural damage. Therefore, if there are regions characterized by heavy rainfall and snowmelt such as Canada, there exists a need to maintain a working gutter system to prevent enforced future repair costs.
Good downspouts keep your house but they also help prevent soil erosion and mold development. Instead of putting it off, if you do not have a functioning gutter spout, you’ll spend much more and have more problems down the road.
Common Causes of Gutter Spout Damage
Homeowners will find that looking at what causes gutter spout damage gives them a chance to prevent the damage. Some of the most common offenders include:
Debris Accumulation
Gutters and downspouts tend to accumulate leaves, twigs, dirt and other debris that can crawl into the gutters and downspouts and become blockades to proper water flow. Water can back up and over into damage along the roofline and siding.
Extreme Weather Conditions
Your gutter spouts can be prone to damage from heavy rain, snow, ice and strong winds. Specifically, ice build-up can expand and crack downspouts, and strong winds can detangle or come loose from the house.
Improper Installation
If you did not have your downspouts installed correctly, water may not be being carried far enough away from your home’s foundation. Also, spouts that are not kept secure will sag or detach as time passes, thereby diminishing their effectiveness.
Ageing and Wear and Tear
Gutter spouts will suffer the same fate as any other part of a home. The spouts can rust out of metal or crack from plastic from temperature changes.
Pest and Animal Interference
Sometimes birds, squirrels, and other small animals nest inside the gutter systems which causes blockages. If downspouts are not draining properly, water from rainfall or from a broken roof that seeps down into the ground from bay windows can create stagnant water which can breed insects.
Symptoms of your gutter spout needing repair
Excessive water leaks in the gutter and spout location can result in very high costs for repairs to your home and damage to the interior of the home. One of the most evident signs that your downspout is not redirecting water away from your home’s foundation will be water pooling around the edge of the basement.
One sign is when the gutters overflow in heavy rain which usually means your downspouts are clogged or blocked. If you see water stains on the exterior of your home, it means water is not being drained properly and water is going into contact with the outside. An indication that repairs are needed is a hole, crack or rust in the downspout.
How to Repair a Gutter Spout
You should fix the problem, whether it is because your gutter spout is clogged or if you notice another problem before it gets worse. If the first step involves one should look for a blockage in the downspout. If you have to use a plumber’s snake or a pressure washer to unclog stubborn pipes, the water won’t flow freely.
Waterproof sealant or patching material can also be used to reseal and repair minor cracks or leaks to re-establish operation. In such cases as if the downspout should separate itself from the gutter or wall brackets, it must reconnect with screws and brackets to hold it in place. At times when this damage is extensive, replacing the downspout is the best option to prevent water from building up and causing damage to the brickwork.
Preventative Maintenance to Avoid Future Repairs
Maintaining proper care for your gutter spouts helps to expand the line they have and also reduces the number of times they need to be fixed. Simply put, you should at least clean your gutters at least twice a year in the spring and the fall as a preventative measure to avoid blockages due to overflow and damage. Another effective way to keep the gutters clean and to reduce the buildup of debris and the likelihood that the gutters will be clogged is to install gutter guards.
Checking that your downspouts reach at least five feet away from the house’s foundation and loose or damaged brackets will ensure proper water flow. If you live in an area where the winters are harsh, clear your downspouts before the freezing temperature because this can help prevent ice buildup as well as damage due to ice expansion.
When to Call a Professional for Gutter Spout Repair
Some minor gutter spout repairs can be undertaken by the homeowner, while others demand the services of a professional. Professional intervention is often required if your gutter system is sagging, or very damaged or if they are always clogging even with regular maintenance.
The Eavestrough Guy offers gutter repair and maintenance for gutter and your downspouts remaining functional throughout the year. Professional assessment can glimpse potential trouble that may be invisible to the eye, you can solve them in the long term and can prevent your home from water damage.
Final Thoughts
Gutter spouts are one of the important parts of your home’s drainage system, and it is important to maintain them to protect the property. Knowing what causes gutter spout damage, and seeing the early warning sign, can do timely repairs to avoid costly water damage and keep the home structure intact.
By routine maintenance and with professional assistance when required, your gutters and downspouts will work as intended year in and year out. Then contacting The Eavestrough Guy for such repair and maintenance services can stop further water damage to your home.
FAQs
Are my gutter spouts cleaned enough already?
Cleaning gutters and gutters downspouts should be performed at least twice a year, in spring and fall.
What are the symptoms of a clogged gutter spout?
A blockage causes water to overflow, poor drainage, and water pooling close to or draining into your foundation.
How can I clear a downspout myself?
However, yes, using a garden hose, a plumber’s snake or a pressure washer can remove debris.
What are the best durable downspouts?
The most durable and weather-resistant are aluminium and galvanized steel.
What prevents gutter spout clogging?
Gutter guards installed to prevent blockages and debris clearing should be done regularly.