What is Gutter Overflow and how to fix it?

The costs associated with an overflowing gutter system can be significant. However, knowing the signs and causes of gutter overflow can help you take the necessary steps to protect your home and avoid costly repairs.

Gutter overflow can cause water damage to the roof and fascia boards. In addition, excess moisture near your home's foundation can lead to mould growth and potential structural damage. Therefore, addressing any gutter overflow issues quickly is important to avoid further costs.

Why do my gutters overflow?

Gutters are designed to divert water from your home and protect the roof, walls, and foundation. However, gutter overflow can occur because of inadequate gutter systems or blockages such as leaves and debris in the gutters. Clogged gutters prevent water from flowing freely through and out of the gutter system.

Common causes include:

Clogged gutters

Leaves and debris can accumulate in your gutters over time, blocking water flow and causing them to overflow. Regularly checking and cleaning your gutters can help prevent this.

Poorly placed downspouts

If your home's rain drainage system is inadequate, it can cause the gutters to overflow. Ensure that your home has a well-functioning system to ensure proper drainage and prevent gutter overflow and direct water away from your house’s foundation.

Damaged gutters

If you have damaged gutters resulting from wear and tear, they may be unable to handle the amount of water coming down. If you notice any cracks or holes in your gutter system, it's best to repair them immediately.

Heavy rain

Torrential downpours can overwhelm your gutters and cause them to overflow. Try to clear leaves and debris from your gutters before a storm hits to reduce the risk of overflow.

How to prevent gutter overflow

There are only two ways to prevent gutter overflow:

1. Regularly maintain your gutter system, including cleaning gutters thoroughly every season and before big storms.
2. Install gutter guards to prevent gutters from becoming clogged.

Why choose Guttershield gutter guards?

The unique heavy-duty ribs underneath the mesh is what sets Guttershield G3 gutter guards apart. This patented feature prevents common issues that other gutter protection systems can't with the following three benefits.

1. Stop water sheeting

The ribs create distinct runoff points that direct water flow into the gutters, which reduces the risk of water sheeting that can damage the landscape below when water hits it with pressure. By ensuring maximum water is collected and flushed through the gutter system, it also acts to move on silt and small leaf debris to keep gutters clean.

2. Enable secure key locking

The rib on the gutter edge also provides a secure attachment to the gutter edge. The gutter guard is locked between the angle trim and the rim of the gutter. The locked edge protects the mesh and increases the gutter guard's durability and life span by preventing the mesh from pulling away from the gutter edge.

3. Provide superior strength

The ribs run the length of the mesh, reinforce the mesh, and improve the system's overall strength. The increased strength reduces the risk of damage to the mesh under periods of excessive stress from storms, high winds and large branches.