With the sun peeking over the eastern horizon, last night’s wild weather comes rushing back to mind. The winds were howling, branches were flying, and the rain pounded down in sheets. Just as you were finally drifting off to sleep, that’s when you heard it: a series of loud clangs, snaps, and banging against the house. Now, with a new day ahead, it’s time to investigate where all the noise came from. But where should you start?
Here in London, Ohio, nestled in the heart of Madison County, summer brings both beauty and intensity. Warm days and colorful landscapes are often interrupted by powerful storms that blow through with heavy rain, powerful winds, and occasional hail; conditions that wreak havoc on your home’s gutters. Last June alone, central Ohio received six to nine inches of rain, nearly double the normal amount. That kind of rainfall is a clear reminder that gutters cannot go unchecked after severe summer storms, or it could lead to costly and damaging problems.
This guide will help homeowners protect their homes by understanding why summer storms threaten gutters, how to inspect them afterward, and what signs of trouble to look for. By recognizing the warning signs of gutter failure early, you can take action before small issues turn into expensive repairs or even gutter replacement. First, let’s learn why summer storms can be so damaging to our gutters.
Why Summer Storms Can Be Damaging to Gutters
Summers in central Ohio are pleasant and warm with stretches of sunshine mixed with sudden, powerful storms. These summer storms, driven by the warm, humid air, produce around five inches of rain every July and can deliver wind gusts strong enough to send tree debris flying for miles. Below, we will break down each part of a summer storm so you can understand why these storms overwhelm and damage gutter systems.
Heavy Rain: Large amounts of rain that come in a short amount of time are capable of overloading gutters and downspouts. The weight of the water might also strain gutters at the seam and cause them to pull away or detach from the roofline.
High Winds: Loose gutters, those missing fasteners, or poorly installed gutters can detach or bend under the forces of high winds. Winds can pull gutters away from fascia, or they may even be damaged by flying debris.
Debris: Beyond impact damage, flying and falling debris, such as leaves, sticks, and dirt, along with roofing material, can clog gutters, causing overflow and drainage issues. The weight from clogged gutters can also cause sagging, and if debris is left unchecked for long periods of time, it can bring pest problems.
Hail: Small hailstones, common in summer storms, along with strong winds, can dent and crack gutters like those made from aluminum or vinyl.
Weakened gutter systems and those that are old can be compromised by a single summer storm. With the surrounding flat terrain, the risk of water pooling around our homes if the gutter system fails increases. Taking proactive measures and inspecting your gutter system after every storm is key to catching damage early.
Tips for Performing a Gutter Inspection After a Storm
After a storm passes, a careful inspection of your gutters is one of the most important steps you can take to spot damage and avoid costly problems in the future. Even if you didn’t hear any obvious signs of gutters being mangled, a post-storm inspection can reveal hidden problems that may otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late. Use the following tips to safely and effectively inspect your gutters.
Safety: Always wait until the storm has passed. Use a safe and sturdy ladder on stable ground and always work with a partner. Wear non-slip shoes to avoid slipping and gloves to avoid injury from debris and sharp edges.
Timing: Once the storm conditions have passed, inspect the gutters within the first 24 to 48 hours after the storm. Given London’s frequent summer showers, catching issues before the next rain comes can prevent more damage from occurring.
Inspection: Always inspect at ground level first, looking for obvious signs of damage. Once this is complete, and if it’s safe, perform an up-close inspection. Climb a ladder and look in the gutters to identify blockages or improper drainage issues. Always check your downspouts by running water through them with a hose and make sure the water is exiting and moving away from your home’s foundation.
In tree-heavy areas, like near Cowling Park or Choctaw Lake, gutters may be more likely to clog from debris, especially after a summer storm with high winds. Once you have cleared away any obvious blockage, the next step is knowing what specific signs to look for that indicate whether you need gutter repair or gutter replacement.
9 Signs Your Gutters Are Failing: Repair or Replacement?
Knowing the specific warning signs to look for after a storm can help homeowners decide whether or not their gutters need to be repaired or replaced. Use these signs to determine whether your gutters are holding up or beginning to fail. If you need help, speaking with a professional gutter company with local experience is also recommended.
1. Sagging gutters and those that are pulling away from the roofline. This can be due to loose fasteners and strong winds, preventing proper water drainage.
2. Damaged soffit and fascia (where gutters are attached to the home). Look for wet wood, mold growth, peeling paint, cracks, or warping of the wood.
3. Look for water dripping from seams, joints, or any visible holes. This can be done using a garden hose and running water through the system while watching for these signs.
4. Tiger striping over the gutters suggests overflowing.
5. Water spilling over the edges of the gutter will leave water pooling near the foundation. Look for signs of erosion where water could have been cascading over the gutters during the intensity of a storm.
6. Look for visible dents from hail or flying debris. Cracks can also be seen with vinyl or aluminum gutters, and depending on the damage, gutter replacement may be necessary.
7. Visible rust suggests extensive deterioration and prolonged water exposure, a known cause of gutter failure. Rust may be cleaned and treated, but for extensive damage, gutter replacement is recommended.
8. Look for peeling paint on your home’s exterior. This suggests leaking and overflowing, which exposes the exterior to too much water.
9. Spotting mold and mildew growth near your home’s roofline or on the exterior walls indicates chronic water leakage from failing gutters, putting your home at risk for structural damage.
With heavy summer rains, strong winds, and the occasional hailstorm, neglecting these issues in central Ohio can worsen problems. Ignoring these serious issues will eventually require a full London gutter replacement to protect your home, and if you’re lucky, that’s it. Read below to learn why timely action is important to avoid further problems and costly damage.
Why Timely Action Is Important
It doesn’t take long for small problems to escalate into much bigger, much more devastating problems. For example, drainage problems that erode soil can crack foundations and cost thousands in structural repairs. Other larger problems include damage to roofs, interior damage, wood rot, mold growth, damaged siding, landscaping damage, and even basement flooding. What starts as a small issue with your gutters after a summer storm can quickly lead to damage to your entire home, inside and out.
By inspecting your gutter after every storm, you can spot issues early and prevent them from evolving into more expensive and extensive problems. Repairing minor issues like leaks or tightening brackets is far less expensive than replacing gutters, fascia, soffit, or fixing foundation issues. Not just saving you money, taking quick action preserves your home’s integrity by making sure it’s protected the next time a storm rolls through. Acting fast won’t just improve the function of your gutters; it will enhance the curb appeal of your home, accurately reflecting the pride we have in our community.
Stay Ahead of Storm Damage
When the storm clouds clear and the sun returns to illuminate the beauty of Madison County, take a moment to inspect your gutters. By inspecting after each storm and catching issues early, you avoid expensive repairs and protect the long-term health of your home. Acting quickly, whether it’s clearing debris yourself or hiring a local professional, preserves your home’s integrity, saves money, and guarantees peace of mind for the next time a wild and windy storm blows through. With consistent care and attention, your gutters can continue to protect you and the ones you love through every season.
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