Summer Storms Cause Gutter Problems!

When you live this close to one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, you can count on two things: lake-effect snow in the winter and summer thunderstorms. When downpours come, your gutters must be ready to handle an intense volume of water to deliver it away from your foundation. Summer storms in Northeast Ohio cause gutter problems due to a combination of factors:

Heavy Rainfall:

Summer storms often bring intense and heavy rainfall in a short period. This sudden influx of water can overwhelm gutters, especially if they are not adequately sized or maintained correctly. Overflowing gutters can lead to water damage to the roof, siding, and foundation of the house.

Debris Accumulation:

Storms bring a significant amount of debris, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, which can quickly accumulate in gutters. If gutters are not regularly cleaned, this debris causes clogs, leading to overflow due to restricted water flow.

Wind Damage:

Strong winds associated with summer storms can dislodge gutters or downspouts and blow additional debris into them, exacerbating clogging issues.

Tree Damage:

Summer storms cause branches or entire trees to fall. Trees or branches falling onto the roof or gutters do significant damage, including bending, breaking, or dislodging gutters. Trees are more susceptible to storms when the branches are full of leaves. This occurs from April to November when foliage is high.

Hail Damage:

Some summer storms include hail, which can dent or crack gutters, leading to leaks or structural failure. Hail can also damage the roof, causing shingle granules to wash into the gutters and create blockages.

Heat and Humidity:

Summer heat and humidity cause materials like leaves and twigs to decompose more quickly when trapped in gutters, forming a sludge that can be difficult to remove and that further blocks water flow.

Maintaining gutters by regularly cleaning them, inspecting for damage, and ensuring they are securely fastened can help mitigate these problems and keep the gutter system functioning properly during summer storms. Go with a reputable company like The Gutter Boys.