Maintaining a clear and well-functioning gutter system is essential for any building. They are needed for filtering water away from your home and preventing damage from accumulating during wet and stormy periods in particular.
Unfortunately, gutter damage and overflows are hardly uncommon, and they can have a disproportionately negative effect on the overall state of your home.
Among other things, clogged gutters can lead to insect infestations by providing a breeding environment in stagnant water. They can also lead to your porch being flooded and damage done to your basement, as a result of excess water seeping into the soil and foundations of your home. Clogged gutters can also lead to water infiltrating your home and seeping in through your ceilings.
Ultimately, most gutter-related problems end up occurring as a result of a clogged downspout. In other words, the vertical pipe that carries water from your gutters down to the ground.
Here are some of the causes and solutions of a clogged downspout.
Why do downspouts become clogged?
Downspouts fundamentally become clogged because of debris that ends up accumulating in them over time. This leads to a blockage of the flow of water, leading to compacted residue that creates a more impassable barrier that only worsens over time.
There are a few key reasons why downspouts can become clogged.
Your downspouts are not being cleared out often enough
Your gutters can be easy to neglect, as they are just sort of ‘there’ doing their job, day after day. For this reason, many people end up going an excessively long time without having their gutters professionally cleaned out.
It’s natural for some degree of residue to end up getting trapped in your gutter over time. This usually won’t manifest as a clear issue for a while.
But it is necessary to have your gutters cleaned out from time to time.
There are imperfections in your downspouts
If your downspouts are dented in places, this naturally creates constriction points where debris — such as leaves — are more likely to become trapped and form a blockage.
If your downspouts contain these sorts of imperfections, it’s important to be extra vigilant about having them cleaned out regularly. You may even want to look into having your downspouts replaced altogether.
There have been storms in your area recently
Stormy weather naturally leads to a lot more debris than usual finding its way into your gutters and downspouts — including things like leaves, soil, and more. Storms can also cause damage that can make clogging more likely and can interfere with gutter drainage.
Solutions to clogged downspouts
Here are some solutions to clogged downspouts.
Get your gutters and downspouts regular cleared out
The most effective and important step to take is keeping your downspouts clear. You should prioritize and ensure that you have your gutters and downspouts regularly cleared out by a professional gutter cleaning service.
Regular cleaning and maintenance can save you a lot of trouble down the line.
Consider having covers or guards put over your gutters
It’s possible to have covers or guards put over your gutters that prevent debris from infiltrating your gutter and downspouts. These will still allow water through but ensure your gutters stay clear.
Of course, these guards can themselves become blocked with debris, and so will need regular cleaning too.
If you’re in the Greater Northwest, we’d love to serve you! Our professional roof repair and replacement specialists serve all of NW Oregon & SW Washington.
