Gutters are crucial in diverting rainwater from your house. When they
overflow, your roof, siding, and even foundation will be damaged by
the water. In Calgary, snow, heavy rain, and leaves can easily clog your
gutters. If you see water pouring over the edge, it’s time to determine why.
1. Clogged Gutters
The most widespread cause of overflowing gutters is clogging. Leaves,
debris, twigs, and even birds’ nests may cause water to not flow freely.
When the water can’t move through the downspout, the water overflows
over the sides. Gut cleaning every two years or so preferably during
spring and fall avoids this.
2. Incorrect Gutter Slope
Gutters need to be slightly sloped so the water goes to the downspouts.
If your gutters are too flat or sloped in the wrong direction, water will
remain stagnant or overflow. Sagging gutters can also change over time
and lose their slope. A professional can readjust the slope so the water
drains correctly once more.
3. Not Sufficient Downspouts
Downspouts transport water from your gutters to the ground.
Without enough numbers or correct sizes, water can accumulate
and overflow. Steep or big roofs might need extra downspouts
to deal with heavy rain or melting snow.
4. Ice Dams in Winter
During Calgary’s cold winter, ice dams are a huge issue. When your
attic loses heat, it melts snow on the roof. That water runs to the edge
and refreezes, creating a dam. Water accumulates behind the ice and
overflows your gutters. Effective insulation and roof ventilation can
prevent ice dams from forming.
5. Small or Damaged Gutters
Occasionally, gutters are undersized to take Calgary’s heavy rainfall or
snowmelt. Cracked, rusty, or perforated older gutters can also
prevent water from draining. Installing new, sized appropriately gutters
in place of damaged or undersized ones can address the overflow problem.
What Can Happen if You Ignore Overflowing Gutters?
If you neglect clogged gutters, water can flow down your walls, peel
paint, or hurt the siding. It can accumulate around your foundation,
causing cracks or basement leaks. It can also erode your landscaping.
Preventing gutter overflow early can save your entire home.
Overflow from Clogged Downspouts
At other times, the gutters are clean, but downspouts are clogged.
When water can’t flow through the vertical pipes, it overflows and
drains out of the gutters. Downspouts clog up with dirt, twigs, leaves,
or even small animal nests. One way to find out is to pour water through
the downspout with a garden hose. If it clogs or drips slowly, it
needs cleaning or replacing.
Overflow From Roof Runoff Volume
Storms or snowmelt can cause more water to flow off your roof than
your gutters can handle particularly if they are narrow or shallow.
This is typical of older systems that weren’t made to accommodate
newer roofing materials or Calgary’s evolving weather. Installing
larger-capacity gutters with a wider channel can carry more water and
cut the likelihood of overflow.
Overflow In Roof Valleys
Valleys of the roof are sections where two slopes of the roof intersect.
They are sections where a significant amount of water accumulates and
flows into the gutters rapidly. If a splash guard is not installed or if the
gutter is not reinforced at that spot, the water shoots straight over
the side. Installing a gutter splash shield or valley deflector can prevent
the water from going out of control and staying within the system.
How to Fix Overflowing Gutters
Clean them often: At least twice a year.
Check for damage: Check for sagging, rust, or holes.
Check the slope: Ensure that the gutters slope towards the downspouts.
Put on gutter guards: These prevent leaves and debris from getting in.
Put on downspouts: Extra downspouts enable water to drain quickly.
Enhance attic insulation: Prevents ice dams.
When to Call a Professional
If your gutters continue to overflow after cleaning, you might need
professional help. At Straight Path Construction, we can check your
gutters and repair the slope or replace them with a more efficient system.
We have professional gutter repair and replacement services
throughout Calgary.
Final Thought
Overflowing gutters are not only a minor problem; suffering from it
can cause considerable water damage if left alone. Clogged gutters,
inadequate slopes, or insufficient drainage can be fixed with proper
maintenance or professional help. Straight Path Construction assists
Calgary homeowners in ensuring their gutters remain free from clogs
and sturdy throughout the year.
Contact us
Concerned about overflowing gutters?
Contact Straight Path Construction today or stop by our website to
schedule a complimentary gutter inspection. We’ll determine the source
and repair it quickly so your house remains safe and dry.
