Question 1

Should gutters overflow in heavy rain?

Accepted Answer

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Properly installed gutters should be able to function normally in heavy rains. Allowing water to overflow can cause water damage around your home's basement or foundation. If the overflow is caused by a simple clog, paying a gutter cleaning cost of $125 to $250 may be enough to get the gutters running clear again. If there's a larger issue, you may need to repair or replace your gutters.

Question 2

My downspout isn’t draining properly, and I have overflowing gutters. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

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You may have a clogged gutter. Downspouts can also clog if your gutter collects too much debris. Hire a professional gutter cleaner, and if you still have problems, install a gutter guard (which prevents debris from entering your gutter system) and a downspout extension (which helps drain water further away from your foundation, so it doesn't pool near your house). Follow these tips to keep your gutter downspouts clean.

Question 3

​​Do buried downspouts freeze?

Accepted Answer

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Buried downspouts can freeze during cold weather as cold water runs through them. If you’ve discovered your downspouts are frozen, you can carefully pour hot water down the top of the downspout to defrost them. If that doesn’t work, you may need to dig your downspout back up. Avoid trying to break the ice from the exterior using a hammer as this can cause cracks and damage to your downspout.

To avoid freezing the future, consider adding a heating cable to the exterior, which can adjust heat based on the surrounding temperature.

Question 4

Are icicles a sign of clogged or bad gutters?

Accepted Answer

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Icicles don't necessarily mean your gutters are clogged or bad, but they can indicate an underlying issue. While clogged gutters can cause icicles to form, the problem could also be an ice dam on your roof from poor insulation. In that case, melting snow can refreeze in the gutter even without a clog. Regardless of the cause, the weight of the ice can damage your gutters or even rip them completely off the house. If you are unsure of the underlying problem, it's best to call a roofing company to assess the issue and implement a permanent solution.

Question 5

Can gutters with gutter guards still get clogged?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, gutters can still get clogged even with gutter guards installed. While guards significantly reduce the amount of debris that enters your gutters, they are not 100% effective.

Small debris such as pine needles, seedlings, algae, small leaves, and pebbles can pass through the guard's screen or mesh and accumulate over time. Clogs can also form if the guards themselves are not cleaned and become overwhelmed with debris on top, preventing water from entering the gutter.

If this buildup is neglected, it can lead to clogs, water leaks, mold growth, and even plants sprouting from the gutters. The primary benefit of gutter guards is not the complete elimination of maintenance, but a dramatic reduction in how often you need to perform it, often from several times a year to just once a year or less.