Rain gutters are one of those things no one really thinks about unless there’s a problem. The fact is, if they’re doing their job, you won’t even know they’re there most of the time. But when you start to see problems with water draining around your home, problems with your rain gutters may be the cause.

When left unattended, damaged gutters will only get worse over time. Eventually, they can end up causing extensive damage to your property, landscaping, and even your foundation. That’s why it’s important to identify serious gutter problems and address them right away.

Here are a few signs it’s time to call Gutter Boyz of Kentucky to help get your gutters back on track.

1.   Your gutters look like a mini Niagara Falls.

Waterfalls can be beautiful, but not when they’re on the side of your house. If there’s a spot where water is gushing down from your roof, there’s most likely a serious clog in your gutters. When water comes down in one spot like that, it can seep into your foundation and siding and damage your home.

The source of the problem may be something simple like clogged leaves and branches, or it could be an animal’s nest. Next time this happens, don’t go chasing waterfalls. Instead, let our team of gutter pros install gutter covers to keep the debris out and your home safe.

2.   There are puddles near your foundation.

If you’ve got water accumulating on the ground, it can erode your soil and damage your property. Puddles near the home or mud splashes on the side of your house are often caused by small leaks or drips along your gutters due to cracking or broken seams.

One way to test your gutters for damage is by spraying water into your gutters with your garden house. If there’s a leak in your gutters, it’s time to have them replaced. The cost of gutter repair far outweighs the expense of repairing a damaged foundation.

3.   Your house is peeling.

Peeling paint can ruin your home’s curb appeal and make your house appear unattractive and poorly cared for. But it’s also a sign that you’ve got water hitting the walls of your home due to a problem with your gutter canal system.

As the paint on your siding is exposed to constant moisture, it begins to absorb moisture, compromising the condition of the paint. Over time, this will cause the paint to form bubbles and eventually begin to peel away.

If you notice paint peeling on your siding, take a look at your gutter system before you repaint so you don’t waste your money on a paint job that’s only going to end up breaking down again.

4.   Your downspout has little or no flow.

If your gutters are installed properly and have no problems, gravity should do most of the work. If your downspout is not flowing, this may mean your gutters are not pitched as they need to be.

Your gutter system should be angled at the correct pitch for gravity to move water along naturally. Our team of gutter installation experts can assess your gutter system to determine if the pitch is appropriate to keep water moving along smoothly. If your slope is incorrect, we can install a new gutter system at the correct pitch to protect your home and property. 

5.   Gutter maintenance has got you down.

When you own your home, seasonal exterior maintenance is a necessary part of life. But for many homeowners, gutter maintenance is one of the most frustrating chore on the list since it requires them to climb up a ladder and scrape out their gutters with a trowel.

If you loathe gutter cleaning, did you know that you can use a leaf cover system to make it a thing of the past?

With gutter guards, all of the leaves and debris that would normally fill your gutters sit on top of them, eventually washing away. Not only does this make gutter cleaning a far easier task, but it also means you will have fewer gutter clogs since debris won’t be able to collect in your canals.

Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is your one-stop-shop for all things gutter related in Western Kentucky. Whether you need new gutters, gutter repair, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, we can help. Give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 for more information or get a FREE ESTIMATE today!

Chances are every fall you’re busting the rake out of the storage shed and raking up leaves as they fall from the trees. And while leaves that fall onto your lawn can be fairly easily raked, bagged and put out on the curb, leaves are likely to fall in other places on your property too – like the roof and in your gutters. And any leaves that fall on your roof are almost certain to end up in your gutters.

In this post, we’ll discuss the dangers of falling leaves and the damage they can do when they accumulate in your gutters. We’ll also share how to prevent it from happening. Here’s a look:

The Dangers of Falling Leaves

Fall foliage may be a beautiful sight, but it’s not without some potential problems if you live in an area with plenty of trees. Specifically, leaves can land on rooftops, and from there they can enter gutter systems. And if they’re not removed from gutter systems frequently enough, they can cause some serious problems for your home. Here’s a look at some of those potential problems:

Clogging Gutters and Downspouts

Perhaps the biggest threat associated with falling leaves is how they have the potential to clog gutters and jam up downspouts. In order for gutters to flow freely, they need to be void of leaves and other debris. Otherwise, these obstructions will impede the flow of water runoff from the roof, likely causing water to spill over the gutter near the foundation. Additionally, leaves can clog downspouts, or the pieces of the gutter system that are responsible for carrying water from the horizontal-running gutters to the discharge point at ground level. Again, if downspouts are unable to perform as they’re supposed to, it’s going to impact the entire gutter system and create a greater likelihood of foundation degradation and property water intrusion.

Adding Excess Weight to Gutters

While leaves may seem light as they fall off trees, when they become wet and mix with other debris, they can become very heavy – so heavy that the excess weight put on your home’s gutter system can potentially cause the gutters to sag away from your roof line. This may not just lead to gutter damage, but it could also create a gap between the roof line and your gutter – and cause water to trickle down through this gap rather than into your gutters. This, too, can cause water to pool up near the foundation, leading to degradation and potential water intrusion.

Pest Infestations and Mold Growth

As leaves build up in gutters, the environment they create can serve as a welcome invitation to pest infestations. The likes of bees, hornets and wasps like to nest in damp areas, and while they may not be as destructive as other pests – they can be a major nuisance. Other pests that may take up shelter in your gutters include mosquitoes, ants and termites. Mosquitoes in particular like to nest in areas with standing water. Leaf-filled gutters and pooling water in the gutters could represent that perfect environment for them. In certain parts of the country, snakes may even get up into gutters to feed on any critters or pests that have made a home there.

In addition to a greater likelihood of a pest infestation, leaf-filled gutters and standing water can also lead to mold and mildew growth. This can impact the appearance of your gutters and lead to premature replacement.

Ice Dams

Leaves in gutters and winter weather also don’t mix. Just as how rainwater runs off the roof and into the gutters during the spring, summer and fall, snow melt needs to be able to drain properly during the winter months. Ice dams form when snow melt refreezes as it comes into contact with the gutter – and if gutters are clogged with leaves, then there’s the potential that any ice dam formations become that much more significant. If ice dams become too large, then water may seep through the roof shingles and boards, entering the attics and damaging ceilings within the home.

Property Water Damage

Finally, culminating leaves in your gutter system have the potential to result in foundation degradation and water intrusion. The weight of leaves in the gutters can cause them to pull away from the roof line, meaning water will fall in the gap between the gutters and the roof. Clogged gutters may cause water to pool within the system and then spill over once they become too full. This can disperse large amounts of water in select places around the foundation. If water buildup becomes too significant, it could enter basements or lower levels of the property. In the winter, clogged gutters due to leaf buildup can increase the likelihood of ice dams, which can result in water intrusion into the attic area.

Bottom line: If you want to significantly reduce your property’s water intrusion risk, making sure the gutters are clear and functioning properly is very important.

Prevent Leaf Problems in Gutters with Gutter Guards

As you can see, leaves can present some serious problems when it comes to how effectively your gutter system operates. The good news is that there’s an easy fix – and it doesn’t involve you regularly getting on a ladder and manually cleaning out the gutters on the regular. The easy fix is the installation of gutter guards. Gutter Guards from Gutter Boyz of Kentucky blocks leaves, branches, pine needles and other debris from entering your gutters, yet allows rainwater and snowmelt to pass through and the system to discharge roof runoff accordingly.

Give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today for a FREE ESTIMATE at (270) 906-3055. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky serves most of Western Kentucky. For all your gutter needs, give us a call today!

Maintaining a home or commercial property is necessary, but that doesn’t mean that it’s cheap. If your gutter system is older and you’re wondering if you should spend the money to repair your gutters or take them down and start new, here are four signs that it is time to call Gutter Boyz of Kentucky for a new installation!

They are Nearing the End of Their Lifecycle

Gutters are like roofs: they have a specific lifespan. Because they aren’t meant to last forever, if your gutters are beginning to look haphazard or are not performing the way that they should, then it is time to consider upgrading and calling a gutter contractor like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky to install new gutters. Gutters are essential to reduce the risk of flooding and foundation erosion, so making sure that they are in proper working order is probably more important than you think. Don’t leave your home or commercial property vulnerable to expensive damage!

They Look Bad!

Your gutters might be a small part of the whole when it comes to your curb appeal, but if they are rusting and look bad, then they are making a poor impression. As a property owner, it is important to make a good impression, and sagging or dirty gutters aren’t going to cut it. If they are making your building or home an eyesore, then upgrading is definitely worth it!

They are Cracking or Buckling

Gutters work by guiding water away from the foundation of your building to ensure that it can’t lead to flooding or structural problems. If they are cracking or buckling, then they can’t do what they are supposed to. If you hire someone to fix them and they are in bad shape, it’s likely you are spending dollars to save pennies. Sometimes it is better to rip the bandage off than to put it on, knowing that it isn’t doing anything to heal the problem underneath!

Upgrading Comes With Advantages

No one wants to spend more than they have to, but if you have old gutters that aren’t cutting it and they have cracks and rust in the seams, then upgrading is a must. If you replace your current gutter system with a seamless one, then you won’t have to look at the joints, the rust around them, or watch the water drip in places where the seams have started to crack. Seamless gutters not only work better; they look better. And if you invest in them, you can rest assured that your investment is a sound and lasting one! 

Home or commercial property maintenance is a must to protect your exterior materials and extend their lifespan, but if you are putting a bandaid on a problem, that bandaid is only covering up what is festering underneath. At Gutter Boyz of Kentucky, we offer the best gutter contractor service in the industry, and we are always transparent and honest in our recommendations about whether repairing or replacing is more cost-conscious. If you are struggling with the decision about which is best, let us be your expert guide to answer all of your questions so that you can make an informed choice!

Gutter Boyz of Kentucky serves a majority of Western Kentucky. For a free quote, give us a call at (270) 906-3055!

As the summer comes to an end, it is important to prepare the home for what lies ahead. Falling leaves, twigs, and other debris are looking for a landing spot while small animals and rodents seek a place to nest, the gutters on your home are the perfect space. This can wreak havoc on your gutter system, your roof, and ultimately your entire home, causing extensive damage and taking a chunk out of your wallet.

Here are 5 tips to prepare gutters for fall, prevent damage, and save a substantial amount of money.

1) Clean Gutters & Downspouts

The first step to prepare gutters for fall, clean them. Use that garden hose one last time and flush any leaves, twigs, and other debris in the gutter system. Once that is complete, use gloves to wipe away any remaining debris and the finish it off with warm water and soap flush followed by a final wipe down with a sponge.

Be sure to check the downspouts and surrounding areas, as debris is known to accumulates in these areas. If a clog persists in your downspouts, you may need to disassemble the system, clear the clog, and then reassemble. This can be an arduous task, if you do not feel comfortable doing this, call a professional like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky.

2) Inspect Gutters & Fix Damage

After a deep cleaning, inspect the gutter system for any damage. Check for leaks, cracks, holes, missing hardware. Ensure the gutters are not sagging, pulling away from the home, missing sections, and that all downspouts are tight.

If any damage exists, fix it immediately. These small problems can lead to greater issues in the future, such as damage to the home’s roof or water seepage into the foundation. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky can help you with gutter repair.

3) Trim Branches

Trees and branches see a growth spurt in the summer, eliminate any branches that have grown over your roofline. These overhanging branches can lead to leaves, seeds, and other debris calling into your gutter, causing future clogs.

4) Repel Rodents & Unwanted Visitors

As the weather turns, nature’s small furry friends seek warmth and shelter, and the gutter system is the perfect place. A nice coat of rodent repellant will keep our furry friends out and prevent any damage they might cause.

5) Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are a perfect way to keep your gutters clean and water flowing throughout the fall and winter. These covers go over your gutter and prevent debris build up while still allowing water to flow freely. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is the leading gutter guard installer in Western Kentucky.

Whatever your gutter needs may be in Western Kentucky, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is ready to help. For a FREE estimate, give us a call today at (270) 906-3055.

On a day-to-day basis, as a building manager, you have a lot on your plate. We’re guessing you aren’t thinking much about rain gutters. But that’s exactly the problem: Gutters are easily overlooked when it comes to exterior maintenance—until it is too late and an issue arises.

A damaged or clogged rain gutter may seem like a small issue, but it can cause major damage—and disruption—to your building. When rain overshoots the gutter due to a clog, the water has nowhere to go but down around the foundation of your building. Water that is not being drained properly can cause serious and costly problems.

Now, gutter cleaning for a commercial property—like a school, college campus, or apartment complex—is no small task. Commercial gutter systems come in many unique designs, shapes, and sizes. Their uniqueness can make them trickier to access and clean. Gutter cleaning a commercial property can be time consuming and dangerous unless you have the experience, knowledge, and equipment to get the job done both efficiently and safely. That’s why The Gutter Boyz of Kentucky partners with building owners and property managers across Western Kentucky to provide commercial gutter services including installation, repair and cleaning.

WHY TRUST THE GUTTER BOYZ WITH YOUR COMMERCIAL GUTTER CLEANING?

• A clean, safe, and properly functioning gutter system is critical to your business. Let us help you maintain your building with care and respect.
• You deserve better exterior services from a highly-trained and certified team. Our team completes annual safety and service training to stay at the forefront of commercial gutter cleaning techniques.
• You can feel confident in our professional services. We carry commercial liability insurance and workers’ compensation.

Let’s work together to make sure your building’s gutter system is well maintained. Contact Gutter Boyz of Kentucky for a free estimate for commercial gutter cleaning services by calling us at (270) 906-3055.

Gutter guards are an important tool that helps mitigate the risk of clogged gutters and the home damages and expenses associated with them.

At Gutter Boyz of Kentucky, we specialize in providing gutter guards to our customers but find that sometimes it takes more convincing than it should for the job to get approved.

If you are a homeowner that doesn’t have a gutter guard over your gutter system, here are some signs that it’s time to invest in these products before true damage begins to occur to your home and its foundation.

Your Gutters Are Rusted

Gutter guards not only protect your gutters from clogging up but can also help prevent excess water from constantly flowing through your system. Without a gutter guard over your gutters, continuous water flow can lead to rust, corrosion, and the untimely replacement of your entire gutter system.

You Notice Water Stains Beneath Your System

If you step outside and find that your concrete is riddled with water stains or that your home is discolored near your gutters, this is a huge sign that you need gutter guards to protect your gutter system.

Water stains on your property mean that your gutters have accumulated leaves and grime to the point that any water that reaches your home is only splashing out of your gutters and isn’t letting your system do its job.

Gutter guards help mitigate your gutters clogging up from leaves and larger debris and help ensure a steady flow that doesn’t let the water soak into your home’s siding or foundation.

You Constantly Have to Clean Your Gutters

Gutters typically require a thorough cleaning at least once or twice a year. However, if you live in an area where a lot of leaves are blown around, you could find yourself climbing up to clean your gutters once a month.

This is a time-consuming process that can easily be mitigated with the help of leaf guards that keep your gutters as clean as possible throughout the entire year.

You Have Trees Near Your Gutters

Even one tree near your gutters is enough to warrant the installation of gutter guards. During the fall and early winter trees in Kentucky are constantly shedding their leaves. Unfortunately, dried-out and ignored leaves are extremely problematic to a home.

In the instance that a lightning strike hits the home, dried-up leaves resting in gutters are highly flammable and the situation could quickly lead to a devastating house fire.

Gutter guards help prevent leaves from hiding out in your gutters and are excellent tools for a homeowner to keep their home a bit safe during the fall and winter.

Protect Your Gutters Today, With Gutter Guards From Gutter Boyz

Don’t let clogged gutters damper your home’s curb appeal. Reach out to the gutter experts at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky to schedule your gutter guard installation today. We make scheduling appointments simple and guarantee an efficient and effective result for your home’s safety. For more information or for a FREE ESTIMATE, give us a call today at (270) 906-3055.

They might not be much to look at but gutters play a vitally important role in protecting your home from the elements and keeping it safe and secure. They direct water away from the walls, windows, doors and foundations. But, if any part of your guttering system is defective, you may not notice until it is too late.

Properly maintained gutters should last a minimum of 20 years, and while some issues may be apparent in dry weather, others may only become so during heavy rainfall. You should be checking your gutters at least twice a year for signs of wear and tear– once every Spring and Fall for instance. If you’re not sure what to look for here are the tell-tale signs you need to repair or replace.

1. Visible signs of damage
There are some obvious indications that your guttering is damaged:
• Cracks, holes or rust spots in the gutters
• Gutters sagging, separating or pulling away from the house, hanging down or leaning away from the walls (gutters should only be at a gentle slope to work well but not be leaning)
• Gutters are bent or dented
• Gaps between the gutter connections, junctions with downpipes or facia boards to which they are attached
• Nails popping or sticking out from the gutters

2. Less obvious outward signs of damage
There are other more subtle things that may indicate a problem:
• You find nails, screws or connectors on the ground
• Gutters are continually overflowing during rainfall
• There is standing water in the gutters even after it stops raining
• Water leaks from parts of the gutters where it shouldn’t or spills over from the gutters when the rain has stopped
• Things are growing out of the gutters or animals are nesting in them
• Icicles are forming from the gutters in cold weather

3. What is the house telling you?
There are also giveaway signs around your house and property that will indicate problems with the guttering:
• Water pooling around the foundations
• Exterior paint peeling or wood rotting or corroding
• Water stains, marks, mold or mildew on exterior walls or doors
• The basement regularly floods during heavy rainfall or has signs of mildew or mold
• Lawns or hard landscaping is regularly being eroded or cracked

Apart from the visible signs, you should also pay attention to the behavior of your guttering when it rains. Listen to how the rainfall is flowing through the gutters. If you can hear water hitting the ground then your gutters are blocked and not able to do their job properly. Over time leaves and other debris can collect in your gutters, but cleaning them is relatively straightforward so it is important to check for blockages regularly. Make sure you have measures in place to be safe, or hire a professional service like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky for that. But if the gutters appear clear and are still not draining properly, this is an indication of a more serious problem and you should call in the experts immediately.

It may seem obvious but a well-maintained gutter is good for your home. Regular checking and maintenance will help ensure your home remains protected and intact. If you have questions or are in need of anything gutter related, give the gutter pros at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3055. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky serves a majority of Western Kentucky and surrounding areas.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could install clog-free gutters? And never worry about your gutters again? It’s one way your home could take care of its own maintenance.

While technology has made huge strides in creating devices and equipment to make maintaining our home easier (smart home technology), it doesn’t remove the need for ongoing maintenance and repair.

But what about your seamless gutter system? Can you buy and install clog-free gutters?

The truth?

There is no such thing as a totally clog-free gutter system. No gutter and downspout combination on the market will eliminate the need for gutter cleaning.

However, you have two options that will help to prevent clogs in your gutters and keep them working effectively.

Options for Clog-Free Gutters

1: Regular Gutter Cleaning

Regular cleaning is a sure-fire method for keeping your gutters clog-free.

You should clean your gutters a minimum of once per year, but we recommend twice annually. One time at the start of summer, and then again in late fall or early winter.

During the hotter months, winds whip up dirt and dried leaves, depositing them into your gutters. Any stray embers, whether from a nearby barbeque or fire, can lodge in your gutters. The dry leaves are precisely the material a fire needs to get started. This could cause a fire quickly taking hold in your roof or attic space.

Fall and winter are the prime seasons for gutter clogs and rainwater overflow. The decomposing leaves and debris can form a dam, which will impede your gutter’s ability to effectively transport rainwater to the downspout and away from your foundation.

Climbing a ladder can result in an injury from a fall. If your house is a multi-story dwelling, climbing up an extension ladder poses even more danger. For your safety, we recommend you contact a professional gutter cleaning service like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky.

2: Gutter Guards or Screens

The closest you will ever get to having clog-free gutters is by installing gutter guards. Gutter guards create a barrier to prevent leaves and other large debris from lodging in your gutters.

Gutter Boyz of Kentucky offers a premier gutter guards to protect your rain gutters from clogging. Several factors, including tree coverage and roof pitch, determine which gutter guard works best for your home.

The Best Solution for Clog-Free Gutters?

You should use a combination of both options. Gutter guards reduce the frequency of cleaning and keep the big debris out. Gutter cleaning rewards you with clog-free gutters and also extends the life and effectiveness of your gutter system, including the guards or screens.

If you are in Western Kentucky and looking for new gutters, gutter repair, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, the only name you need to know if Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. Give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to get a FREE ESTIMATE!

Like your gutters, your downspouts play a critical role in diverting precipitation away from your home. Functional downspouts are essential in protecting your home and landscape from water damage.

The Importance of Properly Working Downspouts

Downspouts ensure that the rainwater from the gutters is routed into drains, instead of landing near the house perimeter, or worse, near the house’s foundation. Too much water near the foundation can result in the following:

1. Increased Soil Moisture Levels — Pooling rainwater gets absorbed by the soil, which can result in an imbalance in the soil moisture levels. If the house settles unevenly, it could lead to the house gradually—and quite literally—splitting in two. If this happens, you will notice signs such as large cracks in load-bearing walls, uneven flooring and hard-to-open doors and windows.
2. Damage to the Foundation — Most types of foundation are made of concrete. Properly installed house foundation is wrapped in waterproofing material to avoid moisture absorption. However, it is entirely possible for moisture to infiltrate this barrier. Too much moisture can make concrete brittle, resulting in cracks or even greater damage to the foundation.
3. Flooded Basement — Water near the basement can seep through the walls and windows. Whether you have an unfinished or converted basement, you do not want water to linger in the basement. Cleaning up after a flood is bad enough; the sudden increase in basement humidity is even worse. It can lead to mold and mildew growth, as well as damage to the drywall and other structural parts.

These three problems are just a few examples that illustrate the importance of maintaining properly working downspouts. Let’s now take a look at some of common downspout problems.

Clogged Downspouts

Clogged downspouts are caused by the same things that cause clogged gutters. Leaves, debris, animal droppings and loose roofing granules are just a few of the things that can collect in the gutters. If you take protective measures such as regular cleaning and maintenance, as well as installing a gutter protection system from Gutter Boyz of Kentucky, obstructions within the downspout will be far less common. Unfortunately, such obstructions are easy to miss, since they’re out of sight.

Obstructions within downspouts usually form gradually, similar to accumulated detritus that block kitchen drains. All it takes is an object—a twig, a stiff leaf a clump of animal hair—to be caught in a joint, seam or bend. Smaller pieces of debris will then accumulate over time until a noticeable obstruction has formed. Here are some of the signs of clogged downspouts:

1. Overflowing Water in the Gutters — Overflowing rainwater doesn’t always indicate clogged downspouts. Nevertheless, gutters shouldn’t overflow unless rainfall is unusually heavy. If the gutters turn out to be clean yet are still overflowing, the problem may lie in the downspouts.
2. Leaking Seams — Clogs in the downspout can exert pressure if they occur near the seams. Old and worn-out sealant can be dislodged by the water in the downspout, resulting in “weeping” seams. If your gutters are up for replacement, consider investing in seamless gutters from Gutter Boyz of Kentucky.
3. Weak Runoff — If the runoff seems to be a little more than a trickle during moderate rain, something in the gutters must be causing a bottleneck. One way to check for a major blockage is to tap the downspout along its length. Obstructed areas will have a different sound when you tap them.

Downspouts Are Too Narrow

A properly designed gutter system isn’t likely to have undersized downspouts. During the design stage, a skilled gutter contractor will consider several factors before determining the final gutter specifications. Calculating the right gutter size requires accounting for these three factors:

1. Roofing Square Footage — This is the actual roofing area. Often this information is available in the roofing installation plans. If this information is not available, gutter contractors measure the area manually, plane by plane.
2. Roof Pitch Factor — The steeper the roof, the more rainwater it can collect. Gutter and roofing contractors follow standardized factors that correspond with roof pitches. A roof with a 12/12 slope (12 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run) has a factor of 1.3. At the other extreme, roofs with 3/12 or lower have a roof pitch factor of 1.
3. Maximum Rainfall Intensity — This information is provided by the National Weather Service. This denotes the strongest recorded rainfall in the area, measured in inches per hour. Different areas in the same city can have different maximum rainfall intensities.

If your home or business is experiencing gutter problems, give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky specializes in all things gutters. Whether you need new seamless gutters, gutter repair, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today!

A leaking gutter can cause all sorts of problems for your home, from water stains and rust to damage to your roofing system. If you’re a homeowner in Western Kentucky it’s essential to be aware of the signs of a gutter leak.

Causes of Leaking Gutters
There are several different causes of leaking gutters. Gutters can be damaged by heavy rain or snow, or they could get old and start leaking over time. If you’re experiencing a gutter leak in your home, it’s important to find the cause and fix it as quickly as possible.

There are numerous reasons why a gutter system may start to leak, including:

Clogged Gutters

Open gutters are susceptible to clogs, which can cause water to back up and overflow your gutters. The clogs can be due to organic materials like leaves, twigs, and pine needles or artificial objects like tennis balls and toys. Gutter clogs can also lead to water backing up into your home’s fascia board, causing wood rot that can damage the entire gutter system in time.

Improper Installation

Gutters are not complicated structures but have a specific slope angle so that rainwater flows toward downspouts for proper drainage away from your home’s foundation. During installation, a slight miscalculation could mean the gutters don’t have enough slope, allowing water to pool at low points instead of flowing freely to downspouts when it rains. Improperly attached fasteners may enable gutters to pull away from the fascia board and develop leaks in corners and seams.

Backward Pitch

If the pitch of your roof is designed to allow water to flow off the roof and down the drain, but your gutters are installed pointing uphill instead of downhill, then water will overflow the gutters and run down the side of your house.

Damaged or Missing Gutter Screens

Suppose leaves, twigs, and other debris can’t quickly enter your gutters because they are screened off with a good quality mesh guard, then there is less of a chance for clogs to form. If you don’t have any screens at all on your gutters (or if they are damaged or missing), everything from small twigs to huge branches can get caught in them and cause blockages.

Improperly Draining Downspouts

When the downspout is clogged or if it’s not connected to an underground drainage system, all of that rainwater will overflow your gutters and flow in whatever direction gravity dictates. Sometimes this means water will run back under the eaves and into your home; other times, it might pool around the foundation of your house or even flood the basement.

Improperly Sized Gutters and Downspouts

If you live in an area that gets a lot of rainfall, your gutters may be inadequate for the volume of water they receive. Gutters should be sized according to how much rainwater is likely to accumulate on your roof during a heavy storm; if they are too small, they will fill up quickly and overflow. The same is true for downspouts – if the downspout is too tiny for the gutter it’s connected to, that water will have no place to go but out over the edge of the gutter and onto your landscaping or house foundation.

Age of Gutters

Even if all other factors are perfect, a gutter system can wear out over time and start leaking. Gutters should be replaced every 20 years, depending on how often they are used and how severe the weather conditions are in your area.

Signs of a Leaking Gutter

Suppose you notice any of the following signs, it means that your gutters are leaking and need to be fixed as soon as possible:

• The gutter is overflowing with water
• There is a lot of standing water on the ground near the gutter
• The fascia board (the horizontal board at the edge of the roof) is wet
• The shingles or roof tiles around the gutter are wet
• Water enters your home through the eaves troughs (the metal or plastic channels that collect rainwater from the roof and direct it away from the house).

What To Do Now

Leaking gutters can be a big problem, both for your home and your wallet. If you are in Western Kentucky and notice any of these signs, the professionals at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky will fix your gutters and help keep them in good working condition. Give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 for a FREE ESTIMATE!