Heavy rain can be a cause of overflowing gutters, but it is not the only one. The size of the gutter, the inclination, and the presence of debris are all factors that can contribute to an overflowing gutter. To prevent this from happening, it is important to understand the different causes and take the necessary steps to ensure that your gutters are functioning properly. The size of the gutter is an important factor in determining whether or not it will overflow during heavy rain.
A 5-inch gutter is typical, but 6-inch gutters are also available. Depending on the amount of roof surface to be drained, a larger gutter may be necessary. If the gutters are clean but still overflow, it could be due to clogged downspouts. To check this, run water from a hose directly to the downspouts.
If the water flows easily, this is not the problem. If you find clogged downspouts, clean them by running a plumber's snake through them. Another possible cause of overflowing gutters is incorrect tilt. The gutters should be tilted away from your home and towards the downspouts at an appropriate angle for optimal drainage.
If the gutter tilts away from your home, it could be causing an overflow (especially during severe storms). The same goes for a lack of tar, which causes water to accumulate in one place, rather than flow to an outlet. It is also possible that your gutters are too small for the amount of water they need to handle. 6-inch wide aluminum gutters are available and can handle a greater flow of water than the 5-inch gutters usually installed in homes.
If you've checked for debris and you have the right size gutters in the right number, and you still have gutters that overflow, call a gutter installation professional in your area to investigate the problem. They can help you identify any underlying issues and provide solutions to ensure that your gutters are functioning properly. To prevent overflowing gutters during heavy rain, it is important to keep them clean and free of debris. Cleaning them often enough so that no insect has time to infest your property will help ensure that they are functioning properly.
It is also important to check for signs of deterioration and make sure that they are installed correctly with the right tilt and inclination.
