Get matched with top gutter repair and replacement pros in Wells, MI

If your gutters get overwhelmed every time it rains, adding an extra downspout is a solution. First, you'll need to decide where to add the downspout. If your current setup only has a single downspout, one option is to place a new one at the opposite end of the gutter. If you already have a downspout at each end, adding a third one in the middle can help to lighten the load. 

You can hire a professional to add a downspout yourself by cutting into the existing gutter and attaching the necessary parts, such as an outlet and brackets.

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.

It is possible to repair your own gutters, but we don’t recommend it. First, gutters need to sit at a precise slope to direct water toward the downspouts but also appear level from the yard, and this task is challenging to get right through DIY gutter repair. Second, any mistakes you make could be costly if they cause water damage or foundation damage. It might seem unnecessary to spend $400 on professional gutter repair, but it pales in comparison to what you might pay if you make a mistake doing the work yourself.

On average, gutters need to be replaced every 20 years. Unprotected gutters in more extreme weather conditions are more prone to breaking and may need to be replaced sooner. Meanwhile, proper maintenance can extend your gutter’s life span even further. That said, proper installation, gutter hangers to provide additional support, and gutter guards or helmets all play an important role in how long your gutters last.