You rely on your gutters to route water away from your roof, siding, and foundation to minimize the impact of precipitation on your property. However, low-quality gutters, improper installation, or poor system design can contribute to a number of gutter problems, including those listed in our blog “10 of the Most Common Gutter Issues.”

For many homeowners, determining whether gutter problems stem from system design or another factor can prove difficult. In this blog, we list eight symptoms that may indicate a flaw in the way your gutters are attached, placed, or designed.

1. Cracks in the Foundation

Water exposure can wear down home foundations, creating serious stability issues. In most cases, these problems first appear as cracks in the foundation’s exterior or interior. These cracks may indicate that your gutters are letting water leak down to the base of your home due to placement or soundness shortcomings.

2. Dirt Erosion Near Downspouts

Well-designed gutter systems allow water to flow naturally away from your home. If you notice a pit forming under your downspout, your system is likely angled too close to your home. In many cases, a gutter extension can solve the issue.

3. Dry Spots Under Downspouts

While erosion under your downspout seems like a more serious concern, dryness at the end of your gutter system can also indicate a problem. Usually, a lack of water around your downspout means the water is escaping elsewhere, for example through a hole.

4. Frequent Clogs

When you have a traditional gutter system, especially a configuration without a trough cover, clogs are an unfortunate inevitability. We discuss this problem in depth in our blog “How Often Should You Check for Leaves in Your Gutters?”

If you notice frequent clogs in spite of following the guidelines in our blog, the shape of your gutters may be contributing to the obstructions.

5. Interior Leaks and Mold

Many poorly designed gutters allow water to drip down the sides of the home. This water may not be particularly visible from the outside, but it can leave stains or encourage mold on your exterior walls over time.

6. Overflowing Gutters

Overflowing gutters can occur for a number of reasons, including a clog or incorrect placement. If you’ve cleaned your gutters recently and still notice water coming over the sides, have a professional check that your gutters are the correct size and that the system is pitched properly for ideal water flow.

7. Peeling Exterior Paint

If water runs down the sides of your home, it may leave marks behind on your exterior. Water exposure can cause streaks or stains as well as peeling paint. This water exposure may come from leaks, placement issues, or incorrect gutter sizing.

8. Puddles or Ice Near Your Foundation

Water erosion can occur anywhere around your home’s foundation if your gutter system is allowing moisture to flow out of the troughs instead of through the downspouts. If you notice puddles or ice in unusual places, check your gutters first.

Correcting gutter system design flaws extends the lifespan of your foundation, siding, and landscaping. If you notice any combination of the symptoms listed above, talk to a gutter professional about improving your system.

In some cases, a simple upgrade, such as the addition of a gutter extension as discussed in section two, can resolve the design problem. In other cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace your current system with gutters that feature a better overall design and that fit your home’s needs more appropriately.

For a reliable system designed to eliminate many common issues such as clogs, talk to a representative from Gutter Magician NKY.