The Most Common Culprit: Clogs
The most frequent reason for gutters overflowing in Central Michigan is a simple clog. Leaves, twigs, and shingle granules accumulate in the channel or at the downspout opening. Once the path is blocked, the water has nowhere to go but over the front edge.
Even if the gutters look clear from the ground, a “hidden” clog in the elbow of a downspout can cause the entire system to back up during a heavy rain.
Issues with Gutter Pitch
Gutters must be sloped, or “pitched,” toward the downspouts for water to move. Over time, heavy ice or loose fasteners can cause gutters to sag. If you have gutters overflowing in Central Michigan even when they are clean, the pitch is likely the problem. Water will pool in the low spots and eventually spill over once the weight becomes too much for the hangers to hold.
A professional can often re-pitch existing gutters, but if the metal is bent or warped, replacement is usually the better option.
Undersized Gutter Systems
Sometimes, the gutters are simply too small for the roof. If you have a very large or steep roof, a standard 5-inch gutter can become overwhelmed in seconds during a Michigan summer storm. This results in gutters overflowing in Central Michigan because the volume of water exceeds the system’s capacity.
Upgrading to 6-inch gutters and larger downspouts is the most effective way to handle high volumes of water on complex rooflines in Mt. Pleasant, Alma, Midland, and Clare.
Problems with the Fascia Board
If your gutters are pulling away from the house, water may be dripping behind the gutter instead of over the front. This is often caused by rotted fascia boards that can no longer hold the gutter spikes or hangers. This type of overflow is particularly dangerous because it rots the wood trim and can lead to water entering your wall cavities.
Call Energy Plus Home Improvements
Stop the overflow before it causes permanent damage. Energy Plus Home Improvements can inspect your system and provide a permanent solution for your home.
