Rain gutter problems and poor gutter installation one of the biggest contributors to the deterioration of your home. CNC Gutters has seen our share of failing and faulty gutters. The main causes are:

1) poor design,

2) defective installation

3) poor maintenance.

These three factors can cause damage or premature deterioration.

Because gutter maintenance is often out-of-sight and out-of mind for many homeowners it is often neglected. Even when Fort Worth homeowners do remember they need to do it, because of the hassle, it is a commonly procrastinated chore. Many gutters are challenging or almost impossible to access and require climbing a tall ladder and possibly putting yourself at risk. The Center for Injury Research and Policy reports that each year 136,000 American’s end up in hospitals for ladder-related injuries. If you live in house with surrounding trees, proper gutter care typically requires three to four cleanings a year.

Defective gutter installation is more difficult for the non-professional to recognize. Of the many gutter systems we have seen in Fort Worth, Arlington, almost half suffered from installation defects. Leaking seams (why we do seamless, by the way), missing flashing, poor angles, standing water, and missing or improperly placed downspouts are t frequent issues. We also routinely discover improperly sized gutters, rusting screws, sloppy sheet metal work, unpainted interiors, and defective support mechanisms. The long-term strength and integrity of a home’s structure is dependent on the effectiveness of its gutter system, but many builders and designers tend think of gutters as an afterthought.

Here are some things to check on your Dallas-Fort Worth Rain Gutters:

Clogged Gutters

clogged gutters Clogged gutters cause water to pool and stagnate at the bottom of the gutter. It can also call gutters to overflow. Consequences: erosion, mosquitoes, rust through, roof damage, foundation damage, siding damage, and damage to the gutter and roof support system from excess weight. Potential repair cost: $3000-$100,000

No Drains or Splash Blocks

poor gutter installation When water leaves the downspouts it needs to be directed away from the structure. Newer homes usually have underground drainpipes connected to the downspouts while older homes carry the water safely away by means of “splash blocks” installed at the downspout’s. Without either of these water will find its way into and under the foundation. Consequences: standing water in the crawl area, mold, mildew, foundation settlement and dry rot. Potential repair cost: $5000-$40,000

Loose, Damaged or Non-existent Gutters

Gutter Installation Loose DamagedThese problems allow water to flow off the roof uncontrolled. When this occurs, water will find its way into the siding, trim, windows, doors, foundation and other areas where it is not wanted. Consequences: erosion, dry rot, foundation damage, landscape damage, siding damage, window and door damage, crawlspace moisture, mold and possibly structural damage. Potential repair cost: $2,000- 20,000

No Flashing at Eaves

Poor Gutter Installation No FlashingA very common short-cut made my some installers is a lack of flashing between the back of the gutters and the wooden support structure of the roof. Without flashing, bare wood is exposed to the water and debris passing through the gutters.  Consequences: Dry rot, termites, roof rot and insect infestations. Potential repair cost: $500-$10,000

Poor Downspout Placement

Poor Gutter Installation Downspout PlacementImproper location of downspouts, or not having enough of them especially during our Texas deluges, can lead to standing water and overflows. Consequences: erosion, mosquitoes, rust through, roof damage, foundation damage, siding damage and damage to the gutter support system and roof from excess weight. Potential repair cost: $500-$10,000

Defective Pitch

Poor Gutter Installation Defective PitchDefective gutter pitch–having the gutter sitting at a wrong angle–prevents water from flowing to the downspouts. This slows the water’s exit and can create areas of standing water. Consequences: erosion, mosquitoes, rust through, roof damage, foundation damage, siding damage and damage to the gutter support system and roof from excess weight. Potential repair cost: $500-$10,000.

Overgrown Gutters

Poor Gutter Installation Overgrown GuttersAllowing shrubs, ivy and trees to overgrow the gutters can cause considerable problems. We’ve seen gutters filled with vines to the point they are no longer functioning. Sometimes the weight even pulls poorly attached gutters away from the home. Consequences: gutter, roof and structural damage, foundation damage, siding damage, window and door damage, termites, ants. Potential repair cost: $2,000- 12,000.