Common Causes of Sagging Gutters

Gutters are designed to route rainwater away from the house foundation, and to do that, the gutter lengths need to be at a certain angle. This is why when you notice that your gutters are sagging, you should have this problem addressed by a professional as soon as possible.

The following are some of the most common causes of sagging gutters.

Clogged Gutters

Let’s start with the most common problem: clogged gutters. Leaves, dirt and debris tend to collect inside gutters. Unless they are cleaned at least once a year, your gutters will be rendered useless. Rainwater would overflow, defeating the gutters’ purpose, and could contribute to ice dams in the winter.

What’s even more important is the fact that clogged gutters would be much heavier, which can lead to sagging gutters. If you happen to have segmented gutters, the uneven weight can put unnecessary strain on the seams, leading to premature leaks. Adhering to scheduled professional cleaning can help avoid such problems. If your gutters are up for replacement, consider seamless gutter installation.

Rusty Nails

Traditionally, gutter fasteners are nailed onto the fascia board. The nail heads are ideally sealed over with paint or sealant to prevent water intrusion. If you’re seeing brown streaks coming from where the nail penetrates the fasteners, it means water intrusion has already occurred. At this stage, gutters will start pulling away from the fascia board and begin to sag. In addition to replacing the fasteners, the gutter lengths will need to be adjusted to ensure proper drainage.

Roofing Issues

There are instances where the gutters are not to blame; rather, the roof itself is crooked. This usually happens when the roofing structure is damaged by moisture from water intrusion, either from roof leaks or improper attic ventilation. The latter is a bigger problem because it’s not as obvious as leaks. When trapped moist air is not vented out, the wood components, such as trusses, rafters and fascia, absorb the moisture, which, when combined with heat, can cause warping. If not addressed in time, it could lead to a crooked roofline.

To learn more about gutters and our emergency roof repair services, call Rapid Roofing today at (734) 234-5900. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free estimate. We serve many areas in and around Ann Arbor, MI