Gutter Repairs: When Do I Call A Professional?
Your gutters play a bigger role in your home’s longevity than you might think, quietly protecting it from costly water damage year-round. But when they clog, leak, or start to sag, even small issues can lead to major problems if ignored. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common gutter repairs, discussing when a quick DIY fix is enough and when it’s time to call a professional.
Quick Answer
Common gutter problems include clogs, leaks, and sagging sections, all of which can block proper drainage and lead to water damage around your home. Most gutter repairs cost between $195 and $625, depending on the issue and material.
You can often seal small leaks or tighten hangers yourself, but for repairs in icy conditions or at major heights, it’s safest to call a professional like Baker Home Exteriors.
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Gutter Problems
No matter how durable your system is, every home eventually faces a few gutter problems. Clogged, leaky, or sagging gutters can all stop your system from channeling water away properly, putting both your home’s roof and foundation at risk. Below, we’ll look at the most common issues, what causes them, and how you can repair or prevent them, all so you can keep your gutters working smoothly all year long.
Clogged Gutters
If your gutter does not have a gutter guard, it should be cleaned twice a year to prevent the buildup of leaves and debris. Without doing so, water can pool on your roof, increasing the chances of water damage. Plus, rubble in the gutter and downspout also makes a nice nest for animals.
You likely have a clog if:
- Rainwater overflows at the top of the gutter instead of going through the downspout
- You notice vegetation growing out of the gutter
- The gutter is sagging from the weight of the rubble
Cleaning a gutter is straightforward: climb a ladder and manually remove the gunk. However, take extra care when working at a high height, especially if you need to bring sharp tools with you. If your gutter system is too high for you, our professionals at Baker Home Exteriors offer gutter cleaning and would be happy to assist.
Learn more about how gutter guards can help lessen your home maintenance workload below.
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RainDrop’s patented S-curve design channels rainwater smoothly into your gutters while keeping out leaves and debris. Check out our RainDrop services using this button:
Leaky Gutters
If you notice that your gutter is clogged, that means the water is not being channeled away from your home. This runoff can end up pooling around your foundation and seeping into your basement. Leaks in the gutter can come from holes created by rust or from damage resulting from falling debris.
You can repair a small hole by covering it with sealant, and for larger holes, you may need to get a gutter patch kit from your local hardware store. However, if damage stems from seam failure or affects particularly large areas of your gutter system, this might be the moment for you to call a local professional for assistance.
Sagging Gutters
A gutter that is weighed down by leaves and debris may begin to sag or pull away from the fascia. Uncorrected, a sagging gutter won’t channel water into the downspout, and the water will instead flow straight down, seeping into the foundation. In addition, the unstable gutter could collapse unexpectedly, causing injury to anyone below.
You can fix a sagging gutter by adding a brace under the sag or replacing any gutter hangers that are weak or damaged. Consequently, many sagging gutter problems can be fixed simply and inexpensively. However, if your gutter has separated from the fascia or the fascia board itself is rotted, it’s best to call a professional for re-mounting or fascia repair.
How do you know if it’s time to call a pro?
If you’re replacing your entire gutter system, you’ll want an expert handling the installation to ensure it’s done correctly. That way, you will not damage the fascia or your roofing system. Also, if you have stubborn clogs in your downspouts, it’s a good idea to call a pro.
Even when the repair is simple, climbing on ladders and being on the roof can be dangerous.  If you do not have a safe ladder that is the appropriate size for the project, if you simply don’t feel comfortable climbing on your roof, or if the repair needs to be made when it may be slippery or icy, we recommend eliminating the chance of a fall by contacting a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Gutter repair costs typically range from $195 to $625, depending on the extent of damage and the type of material used. Minor fixes like sealing leaks are on the low end of this figure, while replacing sections of damaged gutter or fascia costs more. However, general gutter repairs cost an average of about $385.
To clean clogged gutters, remove debris by hand or with a gutter scoop, then flush the system with a garden hose to clear the downspouts. For high or hard-to-reach gutters, it’s safest to hire a professional for safety reasons. No falls on our watch!
When gutters clog, rainwater can overflow and pool around your home’s roof or foundation, leading to costly leaks, water damage, and even mold growth. The extra weight of debris can also cause gutters to sag or pull away from the fascia.
The best way to prevent clogs is to install gutter guards and clean your gutters twice a year, once in spring and once in fall. Trimming nearby tree branches that reach over your gutters and checking for downspout blockages frequently also helps keep water flowing freely.
You can fix small leaks by applying gutter sealant or using a patch kit for larger holes. However, if leaks stem from seam separation or full sections need replacement, it’s wise to call a professional for lasting repairs.
You can fix sagging gutters by tightening or replacing gutter hangers and adding new braces under the sag. However, if the gutter has pulled away from the fascia (or if the fascia wood is rotted), you may need professional re-mounting or fascia repair.
Final Thoughts
While many gutter problems such small clogs or leaks can be handled with a quick fix, more serious issues like sagging or recurring blockages often require professional attention. Ignoring them can lead to foundation damage and wood rot, both of which will require costly repairs down the road.
Because of that, regular maintenance and timely gutter repairs are the best way to protect your home from water damage and keep your exterior looking its best year-round. If you inspect and clear your gutters twice a year, you’ll save yourself lots of trouble in the long run.
Schedule Professional Gutter Repairs in the Carolinas
If your gutters are leaking or overflowing, Baker Home Exteriors can help. Our local team of experts offers comprehensive gutter repairs and cleaning services throughout North and South Carolina. With over 110 years of history, we do quality gutter work that only a century of experience can guarantee.
Let our family take care of yours. If you’re ready to take the first step toward the home you deserve, click the button below to request a free estimate for your project. Otherwise, take a moment to check our our Google reviews. We look forward to working with you!
